Plumbing Maintenance Plans In Orange County

In this article, we will look at why plumbing maintenance programs matter and the benefits of enrolling in a yearly plumbing maintenance plan. Every aspect of the inspection process will be broken down so homeowners can understand what to expect and decide for themselves if this commitment provides value in comparison to the extra expense.

Common problems found during a home plumbing inspection will be discussed and the consequences of not maintaining these components that work in unison to provide fresh clean water while removing unsanitary wastes from our homes.

Why You Need Plumbing Maintenance

Plumbing maintenance plays an important role in a home’s overall operations with an ongoing goal of repairing and replacing worn or damaged components while continuously monitoring the system. The main intention is to avoid catastrophic plumbing emergencies which could lead to structural damage and health-related issues. A well-maintained plumbing system extends the life of pipes, fixtures, and water-using appliances to ensure a safe and comfortable home.

Enrolling in a yearly preventative maintenance program will provide other benefits as well. A higher quality of water should be expected as leaking pipes and sediment-filled fixtures are cleaned, repaired, or replaced.

Consistent water pressure will be enjoyed since issues that increase or decrease water pressure will be eliminated. Low pressure can result from clogged pipes, corrosion, leaks, and a host of other issues. Water pressure that is too high can be the result of external forces or a failed pressure regulator valve. Whatever the cause, the issue will be found and remedied.

Keeping an expert eye on your plumbing system will guarantee any repair work completed will comply with local codes and regulations which in turn will help to support the valuation of your home.

A well-maintained plumbing system supports the environment. Looking for issues such as leaking will conserve water and this reduction in water waste will reduce the monthly water bills.

What to Expect From A Plumbing Maintenance Plan

During an annual plumbing inspection, a licensed and insured professional plumber will come to your home with a checklist of items to be reviewed. As they perform the inspection they will use their experienced eyes to look for clues indicating there may be hidden issues. They will make minor repairs and then consult with the homeowner about suspected problems or make suggestions to avoid future issues.

Here are the areas the plumber will inspect:

Kitchens

The plumber will inspect the sink faucet, drain pipe, garbage disposal, dishwasher, and water features on the refrigerator as well as additional appliances such as a free-standing ice maker. If there is a gas stove or oven they will check to be certain the connections are correct and safe. Under the sink, the pipes will be visually inspected for leaks or loose joints.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are notorious for creating plumbing issues as these fixtures and appliances are used multiple times per day. Excess wear and tear puts a strain on bathroom plumbing so this area receives sharp scrutiny.

Shower heads and faucets will be examined for leaks and signs of mineral buildup that could prevent the natural flow of water.

Laundry

The laundry room can be a source of plumbing problems usually related to the water supply hoses or the drainage system. The hoses will be inspected to be certain the connections are tight. They will check the hoses for bulges and will update them every 5 years to avoid an emergency.

The laundry room drainage system will be checked to be certain there are no blockages and the shutoff valves will be tested to be certain they are in good working order.

Outdoor

A plumbing inspection will include outdoor plumbing such as hose bibs, irrigation systems, pools and spas, and sump pump drain pipes.

In the spring pipes will be examined for winter damage. All systems will be turned back on and visually examined for leaks.

In the fall, all water shutoffs will be turned to the off position, and the corresponding systems drained of water as any water remaining in pipes can freeze causing the pipes to burst. Even frost-free hose bibs will need attention since an attached hose can cause pipes to crack and will need to be unscrewed from the hose bib.

Water Heater

A general inspection of the water heater will be conducted to ensure consistent hot water is being supplied. The system will be examined for leaks, signs of rusting, proper ventilation, accurate temperature and mixing valve readings, and a working thermostat and necessary repairs or replacements conducted.

Insulation and Ventilation

The entire system will be scrutinized for proper insulation of the water heaters and the wrapping of plumbing pipes to minimize heat loss. All ventilation systems will be looked at and any blockages removed.

Drains and Sewer Line

Every drain empties into the sewer line and moves out to the municipal sewer system. These lines will be checked for blockages and a camera inspection may be ordered to be certain sewer lines are clear of blockages especially those attributed to tree roots.

Common Issues Found During Routine Maintenance

One of the first checkpoints will be related to the quality of materials used and the care in which they were installed. Poor quality fixtures will not last and even the finest quality plumbing components will not work properly if they were installed incorrectly. Aging pipes are suspicious as well and the inspection may reveal a whole-home repiping is needed.

Common issues are frequently found with clogged plumbing pipes and these clogs can mostly be traced back to poor disposal habits in the kitchen and baths. Even a slightly slow-draining sink needs immediate attention to keep plumbing emergencies at bay.

Cracked or bellied pipes are common issues discovered during a maintenance inspection. Any leaking pipe is problematic but leaks that are slow and hidden present the worst situations as they can go on for long periods of time damaging infrastructures and creating the ideal environment for toxic mold growth.

Due to the high demand placed on water heaters, inspections often reveal problems with this plumbing appliance. Sediment buildup can severely shorten the life of a water heater and oftentimes rust can lead to leaks and eventually flooding. Frequently improper sizing of the heater is found and replacements may be needed.

Benefits of Enrolling in a Maintenance Plan

Enrolling in a preventative maintenance program brings many advantages to homeowners including knowing they are doing their very best to maintain the life of their pipes and fixtures. These are some of the benefits of enrolling in a preventative maintenance plan:

-Protects the value of your home

-Improves the quality of your water

-Maintains any manufacturer’s warranties

-Lower energy bills

-Less energy usage

-Conserves water

-Environmentally positive outcomes

-Less need for service calls

-Preferred scheduling when service is required

-Protects the physical structure of your home

-Ensures the elimination of health hazards brought on by plumbing issues

Looking For Plumbing Maintenance In Orange County?

Each homeowner will need to decide if a preventative maintenance system is right for them since enrolling in a program includes an extra expense they otherwise would not incur. However, money wisely invested in the safety and comfort of a home seems like a wise decision. We believe a proactive stance offers the best defense against plumbing disasters and will keep your plumbing system operating for years to come.

Proactive maintenance will detect plumbing issues as they are developing so repairs can be made before more serious problems develop. There is nothing that can compare to the trained eyes and knowledge of a dependable and reliable plumbing company that has their customers’ health and safety as their #1 concern. Preventative maintenance is a highly recommended service that will bring the peace of mind for which all homeowners are searching.