It is common knowledge that plumbing issues can lead to extensive water damage in a household. Taking a proactive approach to plumbing maintenance is essential to avoiding potential problems. There are numerous tasks that homeowners can undertake themselves to identify and address issues before they escalate and create.

This article will outline essential maintenance tasks to perform annually or bi-annually to keep your plumbing system in top condition. By incorporating these routine inspections into your schedule, you can enjoy peace of mind and a reduced risk of costly plumbing issues.

Yearly

Each plumbing fixture in your home should have its dedicated shut-off valves. Typically, this includes a pair of valves (one for hot water and one for cold) located under each sink. Toilets usually have a single cold water shut-off valve behind them. Additionally, there should be a shut-off valve for the cold to your water heater. The laundry room should have separate hot and cold valves for the washing machine, and the refrigerator’s ice maker and water dispenser should also have a dedicated cold water shut-off valve.

Regularly using plumbing fixtures is important to maintain their functionality. Failure to use these valves over an extended period increases the likelihood of malfunctions that are needed. Inactivity can cause the valves to become rigid and challenging to operate. The rubber components may deteriorate and become susceptible to leaks. Accumulation of calcium in the ball valve’s chamber can hinder its ability to fully close.

Exercising all of these valves is highly recommended. This practice serves a dual purpose: it helps maintain the valves’ optimal functionality and also identifies any potential issues, allowing you to replace faulty valves before a critical situation arises, such as a plumbing emergency.

To clean the valve, run water through it and toggle the valve on and off a few times. This will help remove any debris and test if the valve closes completely.

As a word of caution: if the valve has not been operated for a long time, there is an elevated risk of the valve breaking while you attempt to operate it. Do this at your own risk. Legacy Plumbing is not responsible for any leaks or damage that result from operating failed plumbing valves in the way they were designed. Learn more about shut-off valves in this video.

Check Water Pressure

The water pressure supplied to your residence may fluctuate as modifications are carried out on the utility. Furthermore, if you utilize a pressure-reducing valve (PRV), the pressure levels can vary as the PRV deteriorates. It is recommended to periodically assess the water pressure to prevent potential damage to your home’s plumbing.

The ideal water pressure for fixtures should be within the range of 40 to 80 psi. If the pressure falls below this range, it may cause issues with the functioning of fill valves in toilets and other fixtures. Conversely, if the pressure exceeds this range, it can lead to increased stress on the system’s vulnerable, exceeding their intended capacity.

Certain locations within our service territory, including Frisco, are prone to high water pressure problems, which can lead to a greater likelihood of malfunctioning toilet fill valves and damaged or leaking solenoid valves, as well as other compromised plastic components.

Checking the pressure is a straightforward process. To do so, you’ll need to acquire a pressure gauge that fits standard hose threads, which can be found at most hardware stores or online retailers. Once you have the gauge, attach it to the hose connection on your outdoor faucet and turn on the water. Next, take a reading from the gauge to determine if your pressure is within the recommended range. If it’s not, you may need to adjust or replace the pressure-reducing valve. For further guidance, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Check Gas Connections

For homes with natural gas appliances, it’s crucial to periodically inspect the connections to prevent potential gas leaks, gas distribution systems, and vertical pipes that carry gas to appliances.

Flexible, corrugated tubing connects gas-powered appliances, such as water heaters, furnaces, gas stoves shut-off valves, providing a secure and reliable gas supply.

A gas manifold is a centralized location where multiple individual gas lines, typically CSST, converge to connect with a larger supply line. In newer homes built on a slab foundation, this manifold is often situated in the attic. Due to the numerous connections and frequent presence of a pressure regulator, it’s crucial to inspect this area for potential leaks.

The pipes that extend from the underground gas line in your yard to outdoor equipment, such as a pool heater or outdoor fireplace, or to a building, are known as gas risers. Due to their exposure to harsh weather conditions and potential damage from accidental impacts, it’s crucial to regularly inspect these connections for signs of leakage.

Verifying these connections is a straightforward process. You can rely on your sense of smell or use a with the latter being a more effective method. Natural gas has a distinctive scent that is intentionally added to ensure safety, which is likely familiar to those with gas fireplaces or stoves. If you have a moderately sensitive sense of smell, you can typically identify minor leaks by sniffing the connections closely. This approach allows you to catch small leaks before they escalate into larger issues.

Another method is to combine equal amounts of water and dish soap in a spray bottle and apply the solution to all accessible connections in the specified areas. Observe the area closely, as bubbles will consistently form and accumulate at the source of any leaks. If you detect a leak, please contact us promptly so we can address the issue before it escalates.

Flush Tankless Water Heater

Regular maintenance is essential for tankless water heaters to prevent issues caused by mineral buildup in the heat exchanger’s small passageways. Flushing the tankless water heater with a descaling is especially crucial for those with water high in minerals like calcium. This maintenance step helps prevent blockages.

Caution is advised when attempting to flush a neglected tankless water heater, as it may reveal underlying problems, such as a damaged heat exchanger. If the unit has gone six years or more without regular maintenance, the likelihood of discovering more serious issues increases substantially.

The decision to tackle descaling your tankless water heater or hire a professional depends on your DIY expertise. The process involves specialized equipment, such as a descaling pump, and standard hand tools. The task is generally simple if the heater is relatively new and installed correctly. However, if the heater is older or was installed improperly, the process can be more complex and labor-intensive. For guidance and additional information, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Clear Hair From Drains

Removing hair from drains is essential maintenance as it accumulates in sink, tub, and shower plumbing fixtures over time. This buildup of hair can create a foundation for other substances like soap residue and debris to get stuck and block the drain. While some may resort to using liquid drain cleaners to address this issue, these products may not effectively dissolve the hair clogs and can potentially harm metal components of the plumbing system due to their strong chemical composition.

To effectively eliminate the accumulation, it’s recommended to perform a manual cleaning using an aug for removing hair, or by taking a drain to scrub away the blockage by hand. Be aware that this task can be unpleasant and messy, so it’s essential to be prepared if you’re tackling it on your own for the first time.

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Specialized augers are available that are specifically designed to rotate within the drain pipe, capturing and removing accumulated hair. Additionally, smaller, handheld plastic devices are also offered, which are intended for short insertions into the pop-up or p-trap to extract hair blockages.

When dismantling the drain pipes beneath the sink, make sure to have a bucket and materials on hand. Test the connections for leaks by filling the basin with water and allowing it to drain completely after completion.

Check Gas Appliance Vents

To ensure safe operation, many natural gas-powered appliances combust byproducts, including carbon monoxide, outside the home. Typically, these vents are made of metal to withstand high temperatures and are routed through the roof. However, strong winds or roof repairs can sometimes dislodge or misalign these vents, creating potential hazards such as loose connections or proximity to flammable materials.

For safe installation, single-wall venting requires a 6-inch buffer zone from flammable materials in all directions, while double-wall venting necessitates a minimum 1-inch clearance. Regardless of the type, all venting must be firmly secured with metal straps to prevent shifting. Inspect your water heaters and furnaces to ensure they have adequate clearance, are properly attached to the appliance, and are securely fastened to the roof to prevent water intrusion. Additionally, verify that the venting system is sealed effectively to prevent rainwater from seeping in. Next, inspect the exterior venting to confirm it is intact and equipped with a vent cap to prevent rainwater from entering the system.

Every 6 months

Expansion tanks should be inspected every six months. These tanks are necessary for tank-style water heaters in closed-loop systems are mandatory for water heater installations in specific cities within the size of a soccer ball and are commonly positioned on the upper right side of the water heater. Expansion tanks usually come in cream or blue colors.

We have an additional article that contains valuable information about the expansion tank, providing a detailed guide on how to inspect it. Be sure to give it a read!

Check Automatic Shut-Off Devices

Make sure to inspect the automatic shut-off devices. If your heater does not have a shut-off valve, your location poses a risk of causing damage in case of a leak. Watch this video for more information.

In our region, a popular device brand for this purpose is the Floodstop. It mainly functions using a standard home electrical socket, with the addition of a battery backup. It is essential to replace these batteries every six months to ensure shutting off the valve during emergencies.

Furthermore, replacing these batteries presents a favorable chance to check the functionality of the automatic shut-off valve. Typically, the sensors associated with this are highly sensitive and can be triggered by a mere touch with your fingertips. You can assess the sensors in this manner and also evaluate the valve by toggling the switches on and off.