Owning a home comes with a lot of responsibilities, and taking care of your plumbing is one of the most important. Homeowners spend more than $300 a year on plumber services, showing how expensive it can get when small problems are not fixed right away.
Just like a car needs regular check-ups to avoid breaking down, your plumbing system needs regular care to avoid bigger, costly repairs. Your plumbing system plays a big role in your daily life—from taking showers to cooking meals.
But most people don’t think about it until something goes wrong, like a burst pipe or a clogged drain. Staying on top of simple tasks like checking for leaks and clearing slow drains, you can save yourself time and money, just like how changing your car’s oil keeps it running smoothly.
Why Is Plumbing Maintenance Important?
Most plumbing systems and fixtures can last a long time if they are properly used and maintained by a maintenance plumber. Regular maintenance is much cheaper than dealing with unexpected plumbing issues and the damage they can cause.
Thankfully, with the help of a maintenance plumber, it’s easy to take care of your plumbing and prevent common problems like leaks, clogs, and broken pipes.
10 Plumbing Maintenance Tips for Las Vegas Homeowners
To save money and avoid a big plumbing bill, it’s important to take simple steps to stop small problems from turning into bigger ones.
1. Check for Leaks
In Las Vegas, water conservation is important. Regularly check for leaks around your home to avoid wasting water and increasing your water bill. Even small leaks can be costly.
A dripping faucet can waste up to 8 gallons of water a day, and a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons daily. Common household items like garbage disposals, refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters, and washing machines can also leak and cause damage.
If you notice low water pressure or a spike in your water bill, you may have a hidden leak. If you suspect one but can’t find it, call a plumber. Undetected leaks can cause expensive damage and attract pests such as termites and ants, which are common in desert climates.
2. Clear Slow Drains
Las Vegas homes often face issues with slow drains due to hard water buildup and debris. Slow-draining sinks are usually caused by soap scum and hair building up in the pipes. Before the drain gets fully clogged, you can try a few easy fixes.
Start by removing and cleaning the drain stopper. You can also pour a mix of baking soda and vinegar down the drain to help clear it. If this doesn’t work, the clog might be deeper, and you may need to call a plumber.
3. Watch What You Put Down the Drain
In Las Vegas, where water conservation is key, it’s important to keep your drains clear. Hair, soap, food scraps, and grease can easily block your kitchen and bathroom drains.
Use mesh drain covers in sinks and bathtubs to catch hair and debris. Also, be careful not to flush too much toilet paper, especially in older homes, as Las Vegas plumbing systems can be sensitive to clogs.
4. Don’t Use Your Toilet as a Trash Can
Las Vegas plumbing systems are built to handle only human waste and toilet paper. Flushing anything else, even products labeled as “flushable,” can lead to clogs and damage your pipes.
According to plumbing tips , items like facial tissue, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and wipes should always be thrown in the trash, not flushed. These items don’t break down easily and can cause serious plumbing issues.
5. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
With Las Vegas’ hard water, it’s tempting to use chemical drain cleaners for slow drains or clogs, but these products can damage your pipes over time. They may work temporarily, but they rarely fix the clog completely, leading to repeated use.
Instead, use a plunger or drain snake to clear the blockage. If that doesn’t work, call a plumber to safely remove the clog without harming your pipes.
6. Be Careful With Garbage Disposals
Even though garbage disposals are convenient, they can easily clog Las Vegas plumbing if not used properly. Avoid putting grease, oils, pasta, rice, fibrous veggies, eggshells, or coffee grounds in the disposal, as these items can cause blockages or damage the unit.
Garbage disposals are designed to handle small amounts of food scraps, so always use cold water when running the disposal to help prevent clogs.
7. Insulate Your Pipes
Although Las Vegas doesn’t experience extreme winters, sudden cold snaps can still cause frozen pipes. Pipes in basements, attics, or crawl spaces should be insulated to prevent freezing.
Don’t forget to winterize your inground sprinkler systems, swimming pools, and hot tubs to avoid damage during colder months.
8. Check Your Water Pressure
Las Vegas homes should have a water pressure of about 40 to 50 psi. If the pressure is too high, it can strain your pipes and cause leaks or bursts. Low pressure could signal a leak or other plumbing issue.
You can buy a water pressure gauge to test it yourself. If the pressure is too high, call a plumber to install a regulator and keep it at a safe level.
9. Inspect Exposed Pipes
In Las Vegas, plumbing leaks can develop over time due to the desert climate and hard water. Pipes wear out with age, especially if they are exposed in basements or garages.
Avoid hanging clothes or objects on exposed pipes, as they aren’t designed to support weight. Regularly inspect pipes for signs of rust, warping, or water droplets. If you see any issues, call a plumber to prevent further damage.
10. Know How to Shut Off Your Water
In case of a leak or burst pipe, your first step should be to turn off the water supply to prevent water damage. Knowing where your shut-off valves are for toilets and sinks is key, and you should test them regularly to ensure they work.
It’s also smart to have a main water shut-off valve that’s easy to access for emergencies. In Las Vegas, with the desert heat, quick access to your water shut-off can save you from costly water damage.
Prevent Now, Save Later!
Taking care of your plumbing is like building a strong foundation for your home—without regular maintenance, small issues can turn into big, costly problems. The key to avoiding these headaches is to act now, not later.
As the saying goes, “It’s better to prevent problems than to fix them later.” This is especially true when it comes to your home’s plumbing. The steps you take today can help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
At Vegas Plumbing Pros, we’ve helped many homeowners keep their plumbing in great condition with expert advice and easy-to-follow maintenance tips. From fixing leaks to clearing clogs and preparing for seasonal changes, we’re ready to assist you.
Want to avoid costly plumbing problems? Call Vegas Plumbing Pros today and ensure your home’s plumbing stays in top shape!
FAQs
What is preventive maintenance in plumbing?
Preventive plumber maintenance means checking and fixing small problems before they become bigger, costly issues. This includes regularly inspecting pipes, faucets, and drains to keep everything running smoothly.
How can I maintain my plumbing system?
You can maintain your plumbing by regularly checking for leaks, cleaning drains, avoiding flushing harmful items, and testing water pressure. Doing small repairs, like fixing a leaky faucet, can also prevent bigger problems later.
What is the most common plumbing maintenance problem?
The most common maintenance plumbing issue is clogged drains. Hair, food, and grease can build up in your pipes, causing slow drains or blockages. Regularly cleaning your drains can help avoid this.
What do plumbers maintain?
Plumbers maintain things like pipes, faucets, water heaters, toilets, and drains. They fix leaks, clear clogs, and make sure everything in your plumbing system works properly.
