Keeping residential plumbing in top shape means ensuring pipes and fixtures are clean, clear, and running well. While you may need to call a plumber for certain jobs, there are a few tasks you can perform on your own. Here’s what plumbing contractors recommend for homeowners.

Residential Plumbing Tasks to Remember

1. Clogged Drains

Preventive maintenance goes a long way toward keeping drains free and clear. Be cautious about what you send down the kitchen sink; never flush cooking grease, fibrous foods, or large bones even if you have a garbage disposal. When you do use the disposal, turn the water on first before adding food. For the bathroom, never flush anything but toilet paper, and clear hair clogs regularly from drains.

2. Leaks

Do a weekly inspection for leaks around sinks and other water fixtures and appliances. Signs of a problem include dampness, puddles, water marks where moisture once was, and mold and mildew. You may also smell a musty odor when water is leaking, even if it’s small. Turn on valves and faucets and make sure water isn’t coming out of handles or bases. Tighten any loose parts or call a plumber to stop a bigger problem from occurring.

3. Outdoor Valves

When the cold weather is on the way back, disconnect hoses and other outdoor water fixtures from spigots. This reduces the chances of a freezing hose in winter that may make connected pipes burst. Check for any drips and have them repaired before it gets too cold. Drain and shut down any outside water lines.

4. Water Heater Maintenance

Flush the water heater annually to remove sediment that can lead to corrosion and a shorter lifespan. Keep water temperatures around 120 degrees Fahrenheit and test the pressure release valve every few months to ensure it is working. Lift the lever and let it snap back. A small amount of hot water should enter the drain pipe. Be careful with older tanks and consult your plumber if you aren’t sure how to approach this test.

5. Pipe Insulation

Insulating plumbing pipes prevent freezing and bursting. Both warm and cold water pipes should be insulated, especially if they are in areas like crawlspaces and basements. Foam insulation for pipes can be found at home supply stores. Other ways to prevent freezing is to eliminate drafts throughout your home. Leave cabinet doors in kitchens and bathrooms open so warm air can get in and turn on a small drip to relieve pressure in cold temperatures.

K & G Plumbing & Heating in Hastings, NE, has served Adams County for more than 25 years. These plumbers offer top-notch customer care for anything from clogged drains to installing fixtures in your home. Besides residential plumbing, they are also available for septic systems, water heater repair, and sewer services, making them the plumbing contractor to trust for the most comprehensive offerings. Call (402) 463-4470 or visit them online.