While general plumbing issues cost around a hundred to around five hundred dollars to fix, the more severe plumbing problems can cost way more. This is something you never want to deal with in your property, as it simply is a waste of money trying to fix a problem that could have been prevented. As such, taking the time to inspect the plumbing, keeping an eye out for any signs of issues, and acting quickly if a problem is discovered is essential when trying to save money fixing plumbing-related issues.

That being said, are you wondering what can be done to test your plumbing system for any ongoing issues and prevent problems from occurring. If so, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re going to share the few things you can do to quickly identify and avoid plumbing problems:

1. Check Out Your Water Heater

One of the most important plumbing fixtures in your home is your water heater. Without it, you won’t have the heating necessary to create a warm and comfortable environment, which is essential to have, especially in the colder seasons. Ensuring that the water heater is in good condition is vital and that any problems developing are quickly tackled to protect the water heater from unnecessary damage.

To keep your water heater in good shape, the first thing to do is to check out the water heater. More specifically, check the floor around it. If you notice any pooling of water, there might be a leak from the fixture. Any sounds of clanging or banging from the water heater and signs of rust are also issues you must be concerned about.

If you do spot any issues relating to your water heater, we highly recommend that you reach out to a plumber. They know the ins and outs of working with water heaters, ensuring that all problems are quickly identified and solved effectively to prevent problems in the near future.

2. Keep an Eye Out for Water Leaks

Leaks are never a good sign in a home. They’re not supposed to happen, but if they do show up, it is a problem that must be dealt with promptly. After all, leaking water is essentially leaking money, and each drop wasted adds to your water bills.

To ensure that your home isn’t experiencing any leaks, you must spend time inspecting the plumbing for any leaks. For example, you can check faucets, showerheads, and exposed plumbing to see if any water is coming out from where it isn’t supposed to come from. Also, look for other signs like mould, puddles, and mildew around the house. They are generally the result of leaks, and these issues can do more than be an aesthetic mess. Mould can pollute the air, and puddles can put your home’s structural integrity at risk of deterioration.

Keep in mind that even if you don’t spot any leaks yet but see that your fixtures are getting old, consider replacing them. Old fixtures will be at high risk of leaks, and addressing the problem now will ensure leaks won’t occur anytime soon.

3. Run a Test on the Water Pressure

 More often than not, a home’s water pressure is consistent, albeit sometimes dropping when too many fixtures are on at once. However, if you notice a significant drop in pressure and you know that no other fixture is on, it can be a sign of a plumbing issue. 

One common cause of the home’s water pressure suddenly dropping is with the pressure regulating valve. Over time, the valve can fail or clog up, hurting its ability to regulate water pressure. On the other hand, if you notice that the water pressure is only slowly dropping or that you notice only specific fixtures have low water pressure, it could be that the problems are fixture-specific. 

Regardless of what’s going on, any drop in water pressure is a sign that there’s a problem. You will want to bring in your plumber to inspect and test the pipes. They will identify the root cause of the water pressure drop and will fix it to ensure that you get plenty of water flow throughout the home.

4. Take a Look at the Shut-off Valves

Every home has what is called a shut-off valve. As the name implies, this valve is designed so that when it is closed, the entire house no longer has access to water. This is useful in many situations, such as when there’s a plumbing emergency, and water needs to be cut off for repairs. It can also be enabled when a significant leak cannot be stopped, preventing unnecessary water loss. Shut-off valves also exist on some major fixtures like the toilets and sinks so that only the fixture doesn’t get water when repairs or the like is underway.

Your task with shut-off valves here is to check out all the shut-off valves in your home, whether it be the main shut-off valve or the fixture-specific shut-off valve. Test them to ensure that they’re working well, and keep note of problems like the inability to be turned easily or at all, a leak that might have sprung when turned, or the simple matter of them not working. 

If any of these issues pop up, call a plumber to get it fixed! Otherwise, the next time you need the shut-off valve to work, you might just be greeted with a useless shut-off valve, leaving you in more trouble than you started with.

5. Be Careful What You Put Down the Drains

Drains are designed to drain water away from certain places and nothing else. Even liquids like oil or degradable stuff like paper aren’t supposed to enter the drains. If they do, then the risk of clogs shoots up significantly. When a clog does occur, the drain will no longer work properly, and the risk of other issues like leaks also increases.

Simply put, clogged drains are only trouble, and you should be incredibly careful what you pour down the drains. The only thing that should go through the drain is water and soap, but even soap can clog it up over time. As such, do your best to limit what you pour down the drain. While some things can’t be helped, other items like coffee grounds or food particles shouldn’t find their way into the drain.

If you do run into clogged drains, you need to unclog the pipe immediately. If you cannot do it yourself, then reach out to a plumber to assist you. A clog-free drain will not only relieve you from a world of nightmare, but it’ll also ensure your home isn’t at unnecessary risk of clog-related problems.

Conclusion

Keep your home safe from any plumbing-related issue, and follow the tips we’ve shared above. While they will require some effort on your side, this effort will pay off as you can sit back and relax, knowing that your home’s plumbing is working as expected, providing you with the smooth operation your home needs to create an excellent living environment. That being said, if you do notice any problems with your home’s plumbing system or suspect there to be an issue, do not be hesitant in calling your plumber. Whether the pipe below your sink or your water heater is facing issues, any problem can turn into a nightmare to fix, not to mention a fortune to repair. Getting the issues identified and repaired immediately will save you trouble, allowing you to get back to focusing on living your life.

Candu Plumbing offers professional plumbing services from drain cleaning to water heater repair to enable residential clients to live free from plumbing issues. If you are looking for professional plumbers in San Fernando Valley to inspect and fix your plumbing, reach out to us today!