Common Plumbing Issues Based on How Old Your House Is

As a homeowner, it can be difficult to stay on top of all of the upkeep and maintenance that is required for a fully-functioning and comfortable living space. Wouldn’t it be great to get ahead of the game and know what to expect from your home as it naturally ages? Plumb Works Inc. certainly thinks so, which is why we’ve compiled some plumbing milemarks to be aware of as you settle into your home. Use this guide so that you can stay on top of your home’s regular maintenance and be prepared for common problems that are bound to surface.

 If you’ve moved into a newly-built home, it’s very unlikely that you’ll need to deal with any major plumbing issues for at least a few years. The main thing you need to worry about doing is checking the handiwork of the plumber who set up your home’s pipe system. Keep an eye out for any leaks or puddles in and around your pipes. If you notice an issue, contact your local Atlanta plumbing professional right away. Not addressing a small leak up front can often lead to costly repairs down the road.

The main plumbing product that you should give some TLC to at the 3-5 year mark is your water heater. These systems have a longevity of at least 10 years, but tank-type water heaters should be flushed out every 3 to 5 years. Tankless water heaters  should be flushed out and serviced every 3 years.

The majority of today’s homes still use gas water heaters. The venting system in these products should be examined alongside a scheduled flushing procedure. As with any gas appliance, it’s crucial that your service technician ensures all carbon monoxide is vented out properly either through a chimney or other venting system. This dangerous gas needs to have a safe and efficient path out of your home. Your plumbing technician will be able to spot any issues in your home’s current venting system, and will let you know what options are available for fixing the problem and making your home safe.

As your home gets older, there are a few plumbing systems and devices that you especially need to be aware of, including the water pressure. This plumbing system is regulated by a device known as a pressure regulating valve (PRV). Your home’s water pressure levels should be set between 60 to 80 PSI.

Pressure regulating valves have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years. However, if your home’s PRV is not examined during regular plumbing service calls, it can stop functioning properly without you knowing and cause damage to your home’s plumbing system.

Just as you get your blood pressure and vitals checked at every doctor visit, a reliable plumbing service technician will run diagnostics on your home’s pressure regulating valve during a regular house call. Your plumber will be able to spot any issues before they turn into an emergency situation.

Any homeowner knows that there is an annual checklist that should be followed in order for your home to be running properly. Here are some plumbing systems and devices that you need to keep regularly maintained:

Sump Pump

If you have a sump pump in your basement or crawl space, this should be checked on a yearly basis. It’s recommended to schedule a sump pump maintenance service during the rainy seasons of your region, as heavy storms can produce large amounts of water in a short period of time.

All outside storm drains should be examined and maintenanced as well. If they are clogged with debris, a local plumbing service will be able to clean them out and also run a camera through the plumbing lines to ensure that they are working properly.

Bibb Faucets

All of your home’s outside hose Bibb faucets should be checked for leaks and winterized for the cold months. Any leaks in your home’s faucets will weigh heavily on your monthly water bill. When you get a professional plumber to perform regular maintenance on your home’s faucets, you’re saving money and water that would have been lost with a typical leak.

Filters

If your household has water filters, they need to be replaced on a regular basis. Under-the-sink filters are typically changed out at least once a year, while whole-house carbon filters will last 3 years. There are a variety of water filters in the current market with differing replacement deadlines, and the original product installer will inform you of these time frames on the initial service date.

Clogged Drains

A common plumbing issue is a bathroom sink and/or shower drain that either starts to drain slowly or stops up completely. This is usually due to hair and soap residue built up in the system. Generally, the clog is right at the fixture itself and can be cleared pretty easily. However, allowing this buildup to continue over a period of time will result in a larger clog that will need to be cleaned with a cable-type machine.

Keep in mind that every homeowner is different. Residents with longer hair tend to have their drains stop up more frequently throughout the year. If this is the case, there are preventative products such as

BIO CLEAN  that will eliminate the build-up and keep pipes clean and clog-free.

Homeownership involves as much hard work as it does rewards. Knowing your home’s plumbing systems and common problem milestones can ease the burden when it comes to forecasting your annual maintenance plan.

Plumb Works Inc. can help with all of your home’s plumbing needs, including kitchen plumbing repair service. We have our own yearly maintenance plans that involve a service technician visiting your home and running diagnostics on many of the items mentioned above. Some plumbing systems are an additional cost, and our service technician can provide you with a quick quote for these while they are carrying out their service call.

Find out more about our plumbing maintenance plans today! 404.524.1825