Homeowners have the important task of keeping their homes fully functional all year long. It pays off to take proactive steps to prevent home damage. One area of your home that is easy to overlook but is hugely important is your plumbing system. By getting an annual plumbing inspection, you will notice any issues that need attention before they turn into inconvenient and expensive problems.
Why Should I Request Annual Plumbing Inspections?
As a homeowner, sometimes it is easy to ignore your plumbing system until you have a problem. However, being proactive can save you money in expensive repairs and the disruptive time it takes to fix them. By requesting annual plumbing inspections, you can identify problems like clogs, corrosion, leaks, and other issues.
In addition, having an annual plumbing inspection helps to ensure that your plumbing system works efficiently. It will help you save money on water bills and will help you avoid moisture damage throughout your home that can lead to mold and health issues.
Maintaining Cost Efficiency
Running a home can be expensive. Oftentimes, homeowners face unexpected expenses because they don’t follow a regular maintenance schedule that helps them prevent issues. Waiting to check your plumbing system until you have a major problem could be costly.
Instead, you can establish a monthly and annual check to keep a close eye on your plumbing system. Each month, you can check basic components to ensure the integrity of your plumbing system. Then, each year, you can schedule an annual inspection from a professional plumbing company. A professional plumber will perform a thorough check of all components. This way, you can stay ahead of problems that the average person could miss.
Ensuring Maximum Efficiency
An optimum plumbing system is one that not only works but also operates at maximum efficiency. Even if you notice a minor leak, it must be fixed right away so that it doesn’t get worse. You also don’t want to waste water, which could also cost you money and have a negative impact on the environment.
It’s important that we all do our part to conserve resources. Modern eco-friendly systems are not only good for the environment, but they are very efficient. Here are a few ways that you can make your plumbing system more eco-friendly:
- Fix water leaks.
- Choose low-flow showerheads and faucets.
- Install insulation on your water pipes.
- Purchase energy-efficient or tankless water heaters.
- Upgrade your toilets to eco-friendly models.
During your annual inspection, talk to your plumber about ways that your plumbing system could be more efficient. Small changes can make a big difference.
Check to See if Your Plumbing System Needs an Upgrade
The reason behind some plumbing issues you may be experiencing could be the need to upgrade your entire system. Modern plumbing systems are designed for maximum efficiency.
In the United States, one person uses an average of 80 to 100 gallons of water each day. That makes it around 400 gallons daily per family. A professional plumbing company can help you determine how old your system is and if it is time for an upgrade. Not only will you prevent issues from arising, but you’ll also save money on your water bills by choosing advanced modern technology.
Avoiding Damage
The best way to navigate problems is to prevent them. It is much better to fix small issues as they come up than to have a huge surprising event that turns your whole house upside-down. Getting a yearly plumbing inspection can help you enjoy your home’s integrity for years to come.
Keep Your Pipes Clear
It is normal for pipes to accumulate waste over time. Debris, soap scum, hair, and other compounds eventually build up inside your pipes and clog them. You may notice that your pipes are draining slower, experience backups, or smell foul odors. If you notice these or any other signs of plumbing issues, don’t wait for your annual inspection; call Gallagher's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning today.
To keep your pipes clear between inspections, you can use non-toxic methods to prevent the accumulation of buildup. A drain screen can prevent hair from going down the drain. Additionally, you can use hygiene products that are not greasy and dissolve easily with water. Some personal products are notorious for creating a greasy buildup of soap scum.
Another way to keep your pipes clear is to have a weekly routine of pouring hot water down the kitchen and bathroom sinks. The hot water will help dissolve any accumulation of grease and debris that may be in the pipes. Simply boil some water and pour it down the drains. However, if you notice signs of a clog that don’t get better, it’s a good idea to call Gallagher's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning.
Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drains
Sometimes, it’s easy to think that you can put anything down the drain, especially if you have a garbage disposal, and it will simply disappear. However, this can cause major issues with your plumbing. For example, cooking grease is commonly put down the drain, yet it creates significant plumbing and environmental issues.
In fact, cooking grease has been known to cause major issues in municipal infrastructure, such as by forming a “fatberg,” a blob-like lump that builds from an accumulation of cooking oil and waste that ends up in a city’s piping system. The oily waste clumps together and starts to block sewers. Municipal repairs require expensive efforts as these fatbergs can become physically large. The best way to dispose of cooking oil and other fatty substances is to place them in a container to be discarded in the regular garbage.
Here are some helpful tips to keep your pipes clear:
- Throw coffee grounds into the garbage.
- Place leftovers in the garbage instead of the garbage disposal.
- Collect hair and soap scum using a drain catcher.
- Avoid bathing your pet indoors.
Issues Outside of Your Home
Even if you do everything you can to keep your pipes and fixtures inside your home in tip-top shape, there are some parts of your plumbing system that are difficult for the average homeowner to monitor. For example, an annual plumbing inspection will look at how the plumbing system outside of your home is doing. A plumber can check your yard to be sure that none of the outside pipes have fractured or that tree roots aren’t getting too close to your pipes. While it’s easy to spot a leak indoors, outdoor ones often require the trained eye of a professional.
For over 30 years, Gallagher's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning has provided residential plumbing services to California’s Northern Valley and the greater Sacramento area. In addition to plumbing, we also provide heating and cooling services. Our clients provide excellent reviews and referrals because of the consistent quality of service that we provide.
We will keep a close eye on your plumbing system so that you can enjoy the function of your home while preventing costly damage. Our team is dedicated to using a customized approach with each customer to ensure we provide exactly what your home needs. Call Gallagher's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning today to schedule your annual plumbing inspection!
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