5 Ways to Achieve Better Plumbing This Year

How to Improve Plumbing

Whether you’re tired of spending money on emergency repairs, dealing with the same plumbing issues over and over, or just want to take a preventative approach to care for your home’s plumbing system in the new year, here are five simple steps you can take to get better plumbing:

1. Request a Plumbing Inspection Right Away

Even if your plumbing may seem fine, it’s a good idea to have a plumbing inspection – especially if you haven't had one in a while or are beginning a journey to better plumbing; it'll help identify any potential issues and make sure everything is working as it should be.

You should especially request a plumbing inspection if you're dealing with any of the following symptoms:

• Water pressure that's too low
• Foul odors coming from drains
• Leaking pipes
• Water discoloration
• Slow draining of sinks and tub

Seek help from a professional plumbing company for help scheduling annual inspections to ensure you’re always up to date with your plumbing.

2. Consider Upgrading Your System

While your toilet may not be falling apart, consider when it was installed. If it's older, it may be time for an upgrade! A newer, energy-efficient fixture would save you money on water bills and reduce the chances of plumbing problems arising in the future – a true win-win.

To improve your plumbing’s performance, consider replacing old galvanized steel pipes with new PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) piping. This can ensure you won’t have to worry about corrosion or the leaks that often come with it and even help prevent the heat loss common with older plumbing.

Upgrades don't have to be expensive, either. Doing something as simple as adding a sink strainer to the tub or kitchen sink or replacing old shower heads with new versions can go a long way in preventing issues this year and improving your system.

3. Establish a Regular Plumbing Maintenance

Some homeowners may live a life of responding to plumbing problems as they arise, but this can be costly and time-consuming. Taking a proactive approach to maintaining your plumbing fixtures, pipes, and drains can help you reduce the risk of potential issues in the future.

You don't have to check your plumbing every day or week, but setting up a regular maintenance schedule, such as quarterly or even annual check-ins with a professional plumber, can help identify any potential issues before it's too late.

Here's what should be on every homeowner's plumbing maintenance checklist:

• Looking for rust on pipes or fixtures
• Leaking pipes
• Cleaning toilet, sink, tub, and shower drains
• Checking appliance hoses and faucets
• Inspecting pipes and property for plumbing leaks
• Water heater flushes
• Catching up on repairs

While some of these can be completed on your own, the bulk should be completed by a professional to ensure your system is running at peak performance.

4. Be Sure to Sweat the Small Stuff

Even though we're told not to stress over the small problems of life for our inner peace, the same rules shouldn't apply to your plumbing. Even the smallest issue can manifest into a full-blown emergency, making it important to stay on top of all minor repairs and replacements throughout the year.

The issue won't go away on its own. You'll want to tackle everything from dripping faucets to leaky pipes with haste to prevent many problems, including:

• Expensive water bills
• Water waste
• Water damage
• Mold growth
• Structural damage

When you're faced with an emergency plumbing issue, like a cracked pipe raining down on your ceiling or a clogged toilet overflowing onto your bathroom floor, it's extremely important to act fast and call in professional help. A swift response can save you from the headache of dealing with extensive damage and hefty repair expenses down the line.

5. Don't Solve Plumbing Problems on Your Own

Before you begin using store-bought drain cleaners, DIY plumbing repair methods, or your uncle's plumbing advice, take a second to consider what you're doing. Not only do many of these methods only provide relief and don't actually fix the issue, but they can also cause more trouble than it's worth.

For example, something as seemingly innocent as drain cleaner can cause damage to the inner lining of your drains and not even fully remove the residue clogging the pipes, leading to the likes of a repeat clog. Professional drain cleaning is the best way to fully remove a clog.

Professional plumbers can:

• Find hidden issues you may not have been aware of
• Deliver solutions that are affordable and long-lasting
• Use professional-grade equipment to solve plumbing issues
• Ensure your home is safe from water damage or any other plumbing problems
• Keep records of preventive maintenance and repairs completed

Above all, with the help of a plumber, any work will be backed by a warranty. That way, you'll have peace of mind and won't have to worry about potential plumbing issues in the future.

Let Mr. Rooter of Omaha Help You Improve Your Plumbing

Mr. Rooter of Omaha provides residential and commercial plumbing services to ensure that your plumbing system is functioning properly and efficiently. From system upgrades to regular maintenance and inspections, our experienced plumbing experts can help you achieve better plumbing this year!

And if you’re looking to learn more about caring for your plumbing, be sure to explore our full blog here.

Contact us today to learn more about our Omaha plumbing services and schedule your appointment!