Five Preventive Plumbing Maintenance Tips For Residents of Old Hickory, TN

Have you ever wondered what you can do to make your plumbing system more efficient and dependable? Just ask your trusted provider of plumbing services in Old Hickory, TN. For example, Parthenon Plumbing, Heating, & AC Repair is always happy to share some helpful plumbing maintenance tips to help your systems work better and last longer.

Making the few small tasks below regular habits can prolong your fixture’s service life, make your home look nicer, and prevent expensive repairs. Plus, they’re fairly easy to do.

Make These Five Plumbing Maintenance Tips a Habit in Your Old Hickory Household

Plumbing systems have a rich and varied history, beginning from rudimentary installations available for public use. Today, modern systems enable us to bathe and use the restroom facilities in the privacy of a home or business. While these advancements and conveniences have transformed modern life, they came with their own complexities. 

The plumbing maintenance tips below may help you protect your fixtures.

#1 Flush and Clean Those Drains

First, let’s address those smelly drains. You probably dread wrestling a slimy, bulky wad of hair from the depths of your shower drain. It’s a necessary evil to keep wastewater flowing freely, but why not make your drain-cleaning efforts a little more pleasant? Try this:

• Flush your drains weekly. Boil water on your stovetop. Pour it down the drains.
• Maneuver clogs out of each drain monthly. Use plungers or drain snakes to dislodge clogs and keep water flowing. 
• Freshen the drain openings with odor-fighting substances. Vinegar and baking soda are an odor-neutralizing duo.

Don’t forget to cover the openings with netted catchers. You can limit the debris that slips into your drains by placing drain catchers over each one. 

#2 Inspect and Test Your Plumbing System and Appliances

Another monthly maintenance task involves checking water meters, water heater thermostats, and water pressure levels. Check the meter to help with leak detection and managing water usage. Attaching pressure gauges to fixture taps can also find hidden leaks. 

You can look at the water heater thermostat to ensure the temperature stays the same. Also, consider these other useful plumbing maintenance tips:

Proactive Toilet Maintenance 

Sit on your commode to see whether it rocks or shakes. Touch near the base to detect dampness. Shaky toilets that leak moisture may need replacing.

Thorough Appliance Cleanings 

Give your plumbing appliances at least a foot of clearance on all sides. Check hose connections for leaks. Follow appliance cleaning protocols. 

Regular Pipe Inspections 

Inspect the visible pipes beneath your sinks, behind your toilets, and other accessible places. Have you discovered signs of degradation or leakage? Contact our plumber in Old Hickory, Tennessee, to patch things up.

#3 Make Those Faucets Sparkle

Polishing your faucets and handles to a shine isn’t just about tidiness; it protects the external and internal components from wear and tear. For example, some faucet leaks develop due to excessive minerals wedging inside the crevices or seals. The buildup lets water escape.

One of our plumbing maintenance tips for faucets and handles is quite simple – use an old toothbrush to scrub those crevices! You can also gently work the brush end into the faucet opening to scrub mold and mineral buildup. Your tap hardware will boast that chrome sheen and deliver fresher water. 

#4 Install a Water Softener

Speaking of mineral buildup, Old Hickory, Tennessee, has moderately hard water. That means your appliances, fixtures, and pipes are more at risk of excessive mineral deposits than areas with softer water. Mineral deposits tend to stick to the fixture and pipe interiors, making it easier for other debris to stick to and causing sizable, stubborn clogs.

A water softener can protect your plumbing system by limiting the minerals that make it into your address’s water supply. Soft water runs cleaner, doesn’t slowly plug the plumbing, and leaves dishes and clothes looking and feeling pristine.

#5 Schedule Professional Plumbing Maintenance

Professional inspections and cleanings help you stay on top of your plumbing system. The following plumbing maintenance services in Old Hickory, Tennessee, are helpful:

• Pipe inspection services: A whole-home pipe inspection identifies weakened pipe materials, excessive mineral buildup, and other potential problems. 
• Leak detection services: Hidden leaks can cause thousands in water damage, so it’s important to root them out.
• Drain pipe cleanings: Occasional professional cleanings prevent surprise wastewater backups. Your home will thank you.