Viper Services in Taylors, SC, helps homeowners prepare their homes every year with plumbing maintenance and inspections, ensuring that their plumbing systems run smoothly and preventing costly repairs down the line. Here are some preventive maintenance tips for 2025.
Checking for Leaks
One of the easiest ways to stay ahead of plumbing issues is by regularly checking for leaks. Leaks are often silent, sneaky problems that can cause damage long before you even realize something is wrong. Left unaddressed, even a tiny leak can lead to mold growth, wood rot, or other forms of water damage that could require extensive repairs.
Start by checking under sinks, around pipes, and behind appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines. If you notice water stains, dampness, or unusual smells, this could indicate a hidden leak. The sooner you spot these issues, the easier (and cheaper) it will be to fix them before they cause major damage.
If you’re unsure where leaks might be hiding, don’t hesitate to call a professional to conduct a thorough inspection. Another area to check regularly is your water meter. If you’re not using water but notice the meter is still running, it could be a sign of a slow leak in your system.
Maintain Your Water Heater
Your water heater is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, and like any other appliance, it requires regular maintenance to function efficiently. Whether you have a tankless water heater or a traditional tank model, neglecting maintenance can lead to a host of problems, including poor water temperature control, reduced efficiency, and a shortened lifespan.
For traditional tank water heaters, it’s essential to flush the tank annually to remove any sediment buildup that can reduce efficiency. Sediment accumulation occurs when minerals in the water settle at the bottom of the tank, leading to decreased heating performance and even corrosion over time. By flushing the tank, you can ensure your water heater runs more efficiently and lasts longer.
Additionally, inspect the anode rod to ensure it prevents corrosion inside the tank. If the anode rod is too worn out, the tank could corrode, leading to leaks or rust-colored water. Replacing the anode rod when needed can extend the life of your water heater and prevent costly repairs down the road.
If you have a tankless water heater, be sure to clean the filters and check the flow rate. These units are prone to mineral buildup, especially in areas with hard water, so regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring they continue to perform at their best.
Keep Your Drains Clear and Prevent Clogs
Clogged drains are among the most common plumbing issues, but they’re also among the easiest to prevent. While reaching for a chemical drain cleaner is tempting, these products often do more harm than good. Over time, they can corrode pipes and cause damage that could result in leaks or more serious issues.
Instead, focus on simple maintenance to keep your drains flowing freely. Use a drain strainer for kitchen sinks to catch food particles and prevent grease from clogging your pipes. Avoid flushing items like hair, paper towels, or feminine products in the bathroom, as these can easily lead to blockages. Regularly run hot water down your drains to help break up any grease or soap scum that may have built up.
If you notice slow drainage, try using a natural cleaner followed by hot water. This can help dissolve minor blockages without damaging your pipes. Avoid chemicals from the store, as these can damage your pipes. You might need a plunger or a professional plumber to clear drain clogs that are more stubborn.
Protect Against Frozen Pipes
Speaking of winter weather, one of the most common and damaging plumbing issues is frozen pipes. When the temperature drops, pipes in unheated areas—like basements, attics, or crawl spaces—are at risk of freezing. When water freezes inside the pipe, it expands, leading to burst pipes. These plumbing disasters often result in expensive repairs and significant water damage.
To prevent your lines from freezing, look for places that are especially likely to freeze. Insulate pipes in unheated spaces with foam pipe insulation or heat tape. If you plan to be away during the winter, leave a faucet running slightly to keep water moving through the pipes.
Sealing drafts near pipes, such as around windows, doors, or vents, is also a good idea. The less cold air that can reach the pipes, the better. Taking these small precautions can prevent a frozen pipe disaster.
Inspect and Maintain Your Pipes
The pipes in your home are the most important part of your water system. Like any other system, they can break down over time. Old homes ‘ stainless steel or copper pipes can break down, causing rust and leaks. If you have low water flow or water that looks brown, it might mean that your sewer lines need to be fixed.
If you have visible pipes in your basement or crawl space, check them for signs of wear or damage. Look for leaks, rust spots, or bulges, which could indicate that a pipe is about to fail. You should also insulate your pipes during colder months, especially those in unheated areas, to prevent them from freezing and bursting. Frozen pipes are a common issue in winter and can cause significant damage if they burst.
Don’t Forget About Outdoor Plumbing
While indoor plumbing often takes center stage in maintenance discussions, paying attention to your outdoor plumbing is just as important, especially when preparing for the colder months. Outdoor faucets, sprinkler systems, and irrigation lines are all vulnerable to freezing temperatures, which can lead to significant damage if not properly maintained.
One of the first things you should do is check your outdoor faucets for leaks or damage. Before the first freeze, disconnect garden hoses and drain the water from sprinkler systems or irrigation lines. Water left inside hoses or pipes can freeze, expand, and cause cracks that are often hard to spot until it’s too late. For faucets, consider installing insulated covers or, if you live in an area with severe winters, a frost-proof outdoor faucet designed to prevent freezing.
Additionally, make sure your sump pump discharge line is clear of debris and directed away from your home’s foundation. If this line becomes blocked or frozen, water could back up into your basement, creating a mess and potential water damage.
Plumbing Inspections and Professional Help
While you can certainly handle many aspects of plumbing maintenance yourself, some tasks are best left to professionals. Scheduling regular plumbing inspections is one of the best ways to ensure that everything is in good working order. A professional plumber can see problems that may not be immediately obvious, like leaks behind walls or issues with the sewer line. They can also provide expert advice on how to maintain your system, helping you catch potential issues early.
Call Viper Services Today
Viper Services is not just a great local plumbing company. We also offer heating, cooling, and electrical services. From heating and cooling repair, installation, and maintenance to general household electrical repair and installation, electrical wiring and rewiring, EV charging, drain cleaning, sewer repair, leak detection, hydro jetting, and emergency plumbing services. Call Viper Services today, and we’ll help make sure everything is in tip-top shape for the year ahead.
