Your plumbing system is there for you whenever you need it, and Valentine’s Day is a reminder to give it the love it deserves. Considering that the average February low in Springfield is below freezing, your plumbing could likely use the extra TLC right now. Frigid temperatures can take their toll on plumbing systems, especially if they’re older or in a vulnerable condition. Don’t worry; there are several tasks you can do to make sure your system is in great shape for Valentine’s Day.
Inspect for Leaks
Water could cause significant damage, whether it’s from a burst pipe or minor dripping over time from a P-trap. It can ruin your belongings and lead to structural damage to your home, such as causing wood rot. Another major problem is mold growth, which can occur even during winter. In moist conditions, mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours, resulting in a major problem if it goes undiagnosed for an extended period.
Make Valentine’s Day the starting point for creating an inspection schedule for your plumbing system. Regularly looking for leaks can allow you to catch potential problems early. Inspect various aspects of your system, including visible pipes in vanities and lines connected to appliances. You should also check water-using appliances themselves, such as dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines.
Before starting, it’s important to recognize the signs of potential water damage. Indicators include musty odors, low water pressure, damp carpeting, and water stains on your floors, walls, and ceilings. Even if you don’t see a leak, one could be hiding behind your walls. Make sure to review your water bills, as unexplained spikes may signal a problem.
Install Smart Water Leak Detectors
Smart water leak detectors monitor the area within a specific range and notify you if they detect moisture. For example, if your bathroom sink’s P-trap starts leaking, it will send an alert to your smartphone informing you of the issue. Some leak detectors are battery-powered, making them easy for homeowners to install. You can put them in various areas of your home, including in vanities and near water-using appliances. They can help you monitor your system, even when you’re not home.
Schedule a Plumbing Appointment
Although making your own inspections is important, nothing beats a professional one. It’s an excellent way to care for your plumbing system in winter. If you’re entertaining for Valentine’s Day, an expert’s inspection can ensure your system will work optimally and not ruin your plans.
During the appointment, we’ll perform a wide range of tasks, including looking for leaks, inspecting your water heater, and evaluating water pressure. It’s also a good opportunity to ask any questions, such as how you can better maintain your system. We’ll inform you if your system needs any repairs or replacements.
Complete Necessary Repairs
If we tell you that your plumbing system needs repairs, it’s best not to delay booking services. Doing so can lead to significant problems that could damage your home and ruin your Valentine’s Day. For example, a kitchen sink clog can cause a foul odor to emanate from the drain, ruining your intimate dinner at home. A dripping pipe might seem minor now, but it could become a burst pipe flooding your space.
Addressing plumbing issues while they’re minor prevents them from developing into serious, expensive problems. However, it’s vital not to attempt any repairs yourself. This may result in personal injuries, from chemical burns to lacerations. It might also void your manufacturer’s warranty, which could leave you responsible for future repair costs. Warranties usually remain valid only when licensed plumbers perform repairs.
Scheduling a professional inspection is best. It can assure you that the repairs are safe, code-compliant, and completed to the highest standards.
Book Hydro Jetting
Hydro jetting involves using high-pressure water to remove accumulated gunk and debris from within your plumbing pipes. It blasts through everything from tree roots in sewer pipes to serious food blockages in kitchen drains. The service offers many other benefits, including reducing odors and helping to prevent pest infestations. Since it involves using only water rather than harsh chemicals, it’s a good option for many systems.
Hydro jetting isn’t included in a standard professional plumbing inspection. However, when calling to book an appointment, you can request that our plumbers complete both services at the same time.
Upgrade Your Drain Strainers
Drain strainers are vital for helping to prevent clogs in bathroom and kitchen sinks. They keep pasta, pet kibble, hair, vegetable scraps, fruit peels, and various other items from going down drains. However, they go through a lot of wear and tear, so it’s best to replace them periodically. This Valentine’s Day, switch out all your current drain strainers for new high-quality ones. They can help keep drains clear and reduce foul odors.
Give Up Chemical Drain Cleaners
Many homeowners use chemical drain cleaners whenever they have a clog in their pipes. Unfortunately, this could cause major damage to both metal and PVC pipes, especially older ones. Additionally, they usually aren’t effective on major clogs. In some cases, they can make the situation worse. Another concerning byproduct of using these cleaners is that they give off toxic fumes and could cause skin injuries or irritation.
There’s no way for homeowners to know for sure how severe a clog is on their own. An experienced plumber can assess the situation and determine an appropriate solution that will clear the clog without damaging your system.
Insulate Your Pipes
High-quality plumbing pipe insulation can improve energy efficiency, prevent frozen pipes, and help keep utility bills to a minimum. It’s also important for reducing strain on your pipes, which could help extend their lifespan.
How long pipe insulation lasts can vary depending on several factors, including the material and quality. A plumber can check its condition and tell you whether you need to upgrade it.
Schedule Septic Tank Pumping
If you have a septic tank, you should typically have it pumped every three to five years. However, this can vary dramatically based on usage and tank size. For instance, houses with several residents usually need it pumped sooner, while homes with only one occupant may be able to wait longer. Our plumbers can discuss your septic tank setup and usage to recommend pumping frequency.
If it’s been at least a few years since you last had your tank pumped, take a proactive approach by scheduling an appointment. This can help you avoid serious issues like backups into your home, sewage seeping into the drain field, and foul odors.
Give your plumbing system a little extra love this Valentine’s Day. Our team in Springfield, MO, offers dependable plumbing inspections, repairs, maintenance, and replacements.
Book an appointment on the Reed’s Plumbing, Excavating, Septic, Heating & Air website, or call one of our team members today.
Today!