Although
your plumbing system doesn't probably ask for much in the way of
maintenance, neglecting that maintenance can still result in some
major issues down the road. Perhaps you don't even realize you’ve
neglected some of those plumbing maintenance tasks, however. Many
homeowners are under the impression that all they need to do is call
the plumber if the drains start acting up.
Here
are four commonly neglected plumbing maintenance tasks.
1.
Replacing Water Heater Anode Rod
Your
water heater anode rod has a limited life expectancy. If it's not
changed out every couple of years, your tank itself will be in
peril. That's because your water heater's tank is actually a
very harsh place for metal.
Hot
water and minerals can corrode and rust through metal quite
quickly.
The
anode is made intentionally from easily corroded materials,
oftentimes referred to as 'sacrificial metal'. This
sacrificial metal is what the minerals in the hot water will
attack, rather than attacking the walls of the tank. If the tank
no longer has this protection, it will likely begin to rust within a
few weeks. By the time visible symptoms (tank leakage) occurs, you’ll
need a tank replacement. So unless you plan to
replace your water heater soon anyway, stay on top of anode
replacement.
2.
Protecting and Flushing Out Drains
Sometimes,
you can prevent a drain clog by being especially careful what you put
down your drains in everyday use. This can mean keeping your kids
from dropping tiny toys down the drain. This can also mean placing a
metal mesh basket in each drain to catch stray hairs and other bits
of debris.
However,
the drains can still collect soap scum, cooking fats, and similar
substances along their walls. Over time, this will build up enough to
cause a drain clog that will need professional attention.
Fortunately
for you, flushing out the drains with baking soda (or better yet,
special enzymes available at
Aurora
Plumbing) on a regular basis may help reduce the thickness of
these buildups lining the drain.
This
works best as a maintenance step and not for already clogged drains,
and is very often neglected, leading
to
more clogs from grease and soap scum buildup.
3.
Cleaning Garbage Disposal
Your
garbage disposal works hard for you on a regular basis, so clean it
out and have it ready for the next batch of scraps. However, many
people don't think to clean out the disposal until it starts acting
up.
The
Aurora Plumbing experts recommend specific bio-enzymes to help keep
slimy buildup in the disposal down. Remember, do not use harsh
chemicals such as drain cleaners in the disposal, because it would
cause more problems than it solves.
4.
Inspecting Plumbing
You
need both plumbing checkups and professional plumbing inspections to
keep your plumbing in great shape. For example, you should inspect
the hookups under your sinks and behind your appliances regularly,
since these are common spots for leaks.
Aurora
Plumbing's expert technicians can come out for a professional
inspection as well.
Many
homeowners don't realize this, so schedule a professional inspection
once every year for best results. This can ensure that your pipes,
water heater, and water-using appliances keep working smoothly, and
catch unknown leaks that can cost thousands of dollars worth of
damage if not discovered early.
These
are just a few commonly forgotten or neglected plumbing maintenance
tasks. Check out our other blog posts for more information about
caring for your plumbing system. And if you need professional
plumbing inspection or maintenance work, Aurora Plumbing and Electric
is here to help.
Get
in touch today to learn more about our fully licensed services.
