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10 Plumbing Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Home in Tip-Top Shape

It’s easy for plumbing problems to sneak up on you. A toilet that leaks a little water may not seem like a big deal, but if it isn’t fixed, the damage can add up quickly.

Here are 10 plumbing maintenance tips that will help keep your home in tip-top shape. We’ll cover everything from fixing toilet leaks to checking for bathroom leaks. By following these tips, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your home in good condition.

1. Fix toilet leaks as soon as you notice them.
   1. Toilet leaks are one of the most common plumbing problems. If you notice your toilet is leaking, don’t ignore it! A small leak can waste a lot of water and cause moisture damage to your bathroom floor and walls. To fix a toilet leak, you’ll need to replace the flapper or tank ball. This is a simple repair that you can do yourself if you feel up to the easy challenge.
2. Check for bathroom leaks and fix them promptly.
   1. Bathroom leaks are another common plumbing problem. If you notice water on the floor around your toilet or sink, it’s important to check for leaks. Leaks can occur in the pipes under your sink, or part of your faucet, or in the seal around your toilet. To fix a bathroom leak, you’ll need to repair or replace the leaking pipe or seal.
3. Flush your toilet regularly to prevent clogs.
   1. Avoid flushing these common bathroom items to reduce your risk of a clogged pipe: cotton balls, Q-tips, feminine products, baby wipes, grease, large wads of toilet tissue, diapers, dental floss, paper towels, hair, food, bleach.
   2. You can also consider flushing twice. Once to clear waste, a second time to clear toilet tissue.
4. Pour a cup of baking soda down your drains every month to keep them clear.
5. Run water for a few minutes after using the toilet to flush out the pipes.
6. Inspect your water heater every year and replace the sacrificial anode whenever it’s been consumed more than 50%.
   1. A sacrificial anode is a rod made of magnesium or aluminum inserted into your hot water tank to prevent the tank itself from rusting. Because the anode rod is made of less-noble metals, it corrodes faster. If you don’t replace the rod, the lining of the tank will start to rust.
7. Regularly check your faucets and valves for leaks.
8. Repair any cracks in your toilet or sink with silicone caulk.
9. Make sure your toilet is properly sealed to prevent leaks.
10. Check your faucets for leaks every few months and repair them as needed.

Follow these tips and you’ll be able to avoid costly repairs! Plus, your home will stay in good condition. If you need help give us a call at BW Sewer and Drain Cleaning at 716-803-4065.