Maintenance & Prevention Questions Answered

How Often Should You Schedule a Plumbing Inspection?

We recommend having a comprehensive plumbing inspection at least once every two years for most homes. However, certain factors might necessitate more frequent inspections:

• ✔ Older homes (25+ years): Annual inspections are advisable as older plumbing systems are more prone to issues.
• ✔ Homes with mature trees: Annual sewer line inspections if you have large trees near your sewer lines, as roots can cause damage.
• ✔ Homes with a history of plumbing issues: More frequent inspections if you've experienced recurring problems.
• ✔ Before purchasing a home: Always get a thorough plumbing inspection as part of your home buying process.
• ✔ After major renovations: Have your plumbing checked if recent construction work occurred near water or sewer lines.

A professional plumbing inspection typically includes:

• ✔ Water pressure and flow throughout the home
• ✔ Visible pipes for leaks, corrosion, or damage
• ✔ Drains and fixtures for proper operation
• ✔ Water heater condition and function
• ✔ Toilet mechanics and seal integrity
• ✔ Sump pump operation (if applicable)

Regular inspections help catch small issues before they become major problems, potentially saving you significant repair costs and preventing water damage to your home.

How to Extend the Life of Your Plumbing System

A well-maintained plumbing system can last decades longer than a neglected one. Here are key strategies to maximize the lifespan of your plumbing:

• ✔ Manage water pressure: High pressure strains pipes and fixtures. Install a pressure regulator if your home's pressure exceeds 80 PSI. The ideal range is 40–70 PSI.
• ✔ Address hard water: If your area has hard water, consider installing a water softener. Hard water causes scale buildup that restricts water flow and damages water heaters and fixtures.
• ✔ Avoid chemical drain cleaners: These harsh products corrode pipes over time. Use enzyme-based cleaners, plungers, augers, or professional drain cleaning instead.
• ✔ Upgrade outdated materials: If your home has galvanized steel or polybutylene pipes, consider repiping with modern materials like copper or PEX before major issues occur.
• ✔ Insulate pipes properly: In attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls to prevent freezing and condensation.
• ✔ Install water hammer arrestors: These absorb shock when water flow stops suddenly, protecting pipes and joints from stress and damage.
• ✔ Schedule professional maintenance: Have your plumbing inspected every 1–2 years to catch and correct issues early.
• ✔ Know your system: Locate your main water shut-off valve, water meter, clean-outs, and other components to respond quickly in emergencies.
• ✔ Choose quality fixtures: Use fixtures with brass or ceramic components rather than low-cost plastic ones that fail more quickly.

Our maintenance service plans include regular inspections, water heater flushing, and preventative measures tailored to your home's plumbing system. Professional maintenance typically pays for itself by preventing expensive emergency repairs and extending the life of your plumbing infrastructure.

Recommended Plumbing Maintenance Schedule

Regular plumbing maintenance can prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your plumbing system. Here's a recommended preventative maintenance schedule:

Monthly Tasks:

• ✔ Check for leaks under sinks and around toilets
• ✔ Test sink and bathtub drains for slow drainage
• ✔ Inspect exposed pipes for signs of corrosion or leaks
• ✔ Check water pressure throughout your home
• ✔ Run water through rarely used fixtures (guest bathrooms) to prevent trap dry-out

Quarterly Tasks:

• ✔ Clean showerheads and faucet aerators to remove mineral buildup
• ✔ Check toilet flappers and fill valves for proper operation
• ✔ Inspect washing machine hoses for bulges or leaks
• ✔ Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down drains to help prevent clogs

Annual Tasks:

• ✔ Have your water heater flushed to remove sediment buildup
• ✔ Check the temperature and pressure relief valve on your water heater
• ✔ Have your main sewer line inspected, especially if you have old pipes or trees near your lines
• ✔ Test your home's water pressure with a gauge (should be between 40–80 PSI)
• ✔ Inspect the caulking around bathtubs, showers, and sinks and reseal if necessary

A&G Plumbing offers maintenance plans that include regular professional inspections and service to help prevent major plumbing issues. These plans often pay for themselves by catching problems early before they become expensive emergencies.