Are you tired of unexpected plumbing disasters disrupting your life and emptying your wallet?. It’s frustrating to deal with burst pipes or major clogs, especially when you realize these issues could have been avoided. As a homeowner, I understand the importance of maintaining a smoothly running home. That’s why I want to share a simple solution: regular plumbing maintenance. While the exact frequency depends on factors like your home’s age and surrounding trees, a general rule of thumb is to schedule a plumbing inspection annually or bi-annually.

Keep reading, and I’ll show you how to pinpoint the perfect maintenance schedule for your home and why it’s essential. I’ll also share what plumbers check during these visits and the simple steps you can take daily, weekly, and seasonally to keep your plumbing in top shape. Let’s work together to dodge those plumbing surprises.

Why Bother With Plumbing Maintenance?

Let’s face it, plumbing isn’t the most exciting topic. But preventative plumbing maintenance is super important. It’s like having insurance for your pipes! Plumbing problems can mess up your day and cost a lot to fix if you don’t catch them early. By keeping an eye on things, you can save big bucks and keep everything flowing the way it should.

Finding Your Magic Number: How Often to Call a Plumber

So, how often should you actually call a plumber? Well, it depends. Here’s the lowdown:

The General Rule: Most experts say you should get your plumbing checked annually. Think of it as a yearly physical for your pipes!
If You Have a Newer Home: Got a shiny, new house with all the latest plumbing? You might be able to stretch it to every two years.
If You Have an Older Home: If your home is older, especially over 40 years, annual inspections are a good idea. Older pipes can corrode or have hidden problems.
If You Have Lots of Trees: Big, beautiful trees can be a problem for your sewer lines. Roots can sneak in and cause damage. If you’re surrounded by trees, think about maintenance twice a year.

Why Bother With Regular Plumbing TLC?

Okay, so why is this plumbing maintenance thing so important? Here’s the scoop:

Avoid Big, Scary Repairs: Regular check-ups help catch small problems, like a tiny leak, before they turn into huge, expensive disasters, like a burst pipe.
Make Your Plumbing Last Longer: Taking care of your pipes and water heater means they’ll work well for years to come. Regular plumbing service prevents wear and tear.
Save Money on Bills: Leaky faucets and inefficient water heaters waste water and energy. Keeping everything in good shape helps lower those bills.
Keep Your Home Safe and Healthy: Plumbing leaks can cause water damage and mold, which aren’t good for your home or your health. Regular plumbing inspection helps prevent these issues.

Is Your Plumbing Trying to Tell You Something?

Sometimes, your plumbing will give you hints that it needs attention. Here are some signs to watch out for, according to “Angi”:

Drains that clog easily
Strange gurgling sounds
Water pressure that’s too weak or too strong
Water that takes forever to heat up
Appliances that are slow or don’t work right

If you notice any of these, it’s time to call a plumber! And if you have a burst pipe, a sagging ceiling, or nasty smells from the garbage disposal, that’s an emergency! Call a plumbing company right away!

What Happens During a Plumbing Check-Up?

So, what does a plumber actually do during a maintenance visit? According to “Service Legends,” here are some common tasks:

Check for Water Damage: Look for stains or signs of water on walls and under sinks.
Inspect Pipes: Check for corrosion or damage on exposed pipes.
Check Toilets: Make sure they aren’t leaking and flush properly.
Check Faucets: Make sure you have good water pressure and no leaks.
Look for Clogs: Find any potential clogs in your drains.
Inspect the Garbage Disposal and Water Heater: Check for leaks or damage.
Test Water Pressure: Make sure your water pressure isn’t too high or too low.
Test Water Quality: Check for things like nitrate levels.

Daily, Weekly, and Seasonal Plumbing Chores

Plumbing maintenance isn’t just about calling a plumber. There are things you can do every day, week, and season to help:

Daily:
- Be careful about what goes down your drains and toilets.
- Don’t pour grease down the kitchen sink.
- Use drain screens in the bathroom to catch hair.
Weekly:
- Check under sinks and around toilets for leaks.
- See how quickly your sinks and showers drain.
- Make sure your faucets aren’t leaking.
- Clean the lint trap on your washing machine.
Seasonal:
- Fall: Get your outdoor faucets ready for winter.
- Winter: Insulate pipes and let faucets drip when it’s freezing.
- Spring: Check your drains and appliances for leaks.
- Summer: Get your septic system checked and maintain your sprinkler system.

And don’t forget your water heater! Flush it every six months, keep the temperature at 120°F, and have a plumber inspect it every year.

Should You DIY or Call a Pro?

Some plumbing tasks are easy enough to do yourself. But for bigger jobs, it’s best to call a plumber. Plumbers have the tools and know-how to fix problems correctly and safely. Plus, they can give you a guarantee on their work!

What’s It Gonna Cost?

Of course, you’re probably wondering about the cost. Here are some things that affect plumbing costs:

How hard the job is
The materials you need
The plumber’s experience
If it’s an emergency
Where you live

Plumbers might charge a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a combination of both. Make sure you get a detailed quote before they start working, so you know what to expect.

Questions to Ask Your Plumber

When you’re looking for a plumber, here are some important questions to ask:

Are you licensed and insured?
How do you charge?
Do you offer emergency services?
What’s included in a maintenance check?
Can I see some references?
Do you have service contracts?

Plumbing That Pays Off

Taking care of your plumbing is one of the smartest things you can do for your home. By scheduling regular maintenance and addressing small issues early, you’ll save money, avoid headaches, and keep your Burlingame home running smoothly for years to come.

Burlingame Plumber – JK Plumbing

Is your Burlingame home’s plumbing system giving you cause for concern? At JK Plumbing, we understand that preventative plumbing maintenance is more than just a task—it’s an investment in your peace of mind. Don’t wait for a small drip to turn into a costly flood. Like the article “How Often Should You Call a Plumber for Maintenance? A Simple Guide for Burlingame Homes” suggests regular plumbing inspection can save you from major headaches down the line.

Whether you have an older house that requires annual plumbing service or a newer home that can stretch maintenance to bi-annual, our experienced plumbers are here to help. We offer thorough inspections, address potential issues, and ensure your system runs efficiently. From leak detection to pressure testing, we’ve got you covered.

Call us today at (415) 359-4588 for reliable, professional service that keeps your home’s plumbing in top shape. Let us be your trusted plumbing company!

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About How Often You Should Schedule Plumbing Maintenance

What factors determine whether I should lean towards annual or bi-annual professional plumbing maintenance?

The frequency of plumbing maintenance depends on several factors, primarily the age of your home and the surrounding environment. Tuckers Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing recommends inspections every two years for newer homes, while older homes (over 40 years) benefit from annual checks. In areas with many trees, you may require more frequent maintenance due to the risk of tree roots damaging sewer lines.

What specific issues can high water pressure cause, and how do plumbers address it during maintenance?

High water pressure, especially above 80 psi, can cause leaks. According to “How Often Should You Call a Plumber for Maintenance? A Simple Guide for Burlingame Homes,” ideal water pressure is between 45 and 65 PSI. During maintenance, a plumber will test your water pressure and make adjustments, possibly installing a pressure regulator to reduce pressure.

How can I tell if a plumber is skilled and trustworthy before hiring them?

Before hiring a plumber, it’s important to check their qualifications, experience, and reviews. Ensure they are licensed and insured and ask for references. Also, inquire about their pricing structure, service contracts, and what’s included in a maintenance check.

What routine tasks can I perform to maintain my plumbing system between professional visits?

Between professional visits, there are several tasks you can handle on your own. Mr. Rooter Plumbing recommends checking for leaks under sinks, testing drain speed, and ensuring faucets aren’t leaking. Other tasks include:

Cleaning drain covers to prevent clogs
Inspecting exposed pipes for rust or leaks
Monitoring water pressure
Checking toilets and faucets for slow leaks

What are the key differences between maintaining a storage-type water heater and a tankless water heater?

For storage-type water heaters, it’s important to flush the tank every six months to remove sediment and have a plumber inspect it annually for rust and other issues. For tankless heaters, a professional should check the burner, pressure relief, venting system, and water filter annually, and heating coils should be cleaned every two years.

How does homeowners insurance relate to plumbing leaks and maintenance?

Homeowners insurance typically covers water damage if it’s sudden or accidental but doesn’t usually cover the cost to repair the source of the leak if it’s due to wear and tear. It’s advisable to review your policy and contact your insurer for specific coverage details.

What are the signs of a plumbing leak?

According to Amica Insurance, signs of plumbing leaks include skyrocketing water bills, visible mold and mildew, musty-smelling rooms, stained ceilings/walls/floors, wet spots, and a constantly running water meter.

Read How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Plumber in Burlingame? A Simple Guide