Do you want to avoid water damage catastrophes?

Homeowners everywhere have one thing in common: they absolutely hate stepping in water on the floor. Burst pipes, leaky faucets, and failed water heaters quickly turn into expensive home disasters.

But here’s the truth:

Water damage statistics are scary. 14,000 people file water damage insurance claims every single day in the U.S. The average water damage insurance claim is over $11,600.

Wait, before you start panicking…

The good news is that the vast majority of plumbing disasters are preventable with a little routine maintenance.

In this post, you’ll learn:

  • Daily and monthly plumbing tasks you shouldn’t skip
  • Red flags that you can’t afford to ignore
  • How to prevent the most common plumbing catastrophes
  • Expert plumbing advice when you need to call the pros

Let’s dive in and save you a lot of money and stress.

Plumbing Problems are More Common Than You Think

Plumbing issues can sneak up on you very easily.

The fact is that 10% of homes in the United States have plumbing issues each year. Most of these issues are preventable, but many homeowners choose to ignore their plumbing until something catastrophic happens.

The price of inaction? Water damage claims end up costing insurance companies about $13 billion each year. That’s a billion with a B.

The homeowners who play it smart avoid becoming part of those statistics. When they need to call in expert help with complex or specialized plumbing jobs, finding qualified plumbers with modern plumbing services and instant, accurate quotes means the difference between getting fast, professional service you can count on and paying to get ripped off.

Monitor Your Water Pressure

High water pressure feels amazing in the shower. But it’s actually killing your pipes.

Your home’s water pressure should be between 40 and 60 PSI. The higher the number, the more wear and tear on your entire system, including the faucets, appliances, and pipes.

Purchase a water pressure gauge for about $10 at the hardware store. Screw it onto an outdoor faucet and check the reading. If it’s higher than 80 PSI, you should install a pressure regulator.

Inspect Your Toilets

Toilets are quiet money wasters that cost you hundreds of dollars without you even realizing it.

If you have a running toilet, you’re wasting up to 200 gallons of water a day! 

Here’s the simple test to do: put a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank. Wait 10 minutes. If color shows up in the toilet bowl, you have a leak.

You also want to look at the base of the toilet for water stains or movement when you rock it. A good rule of thumb is to replace toilet flappers every 3-5 years since old flappers tend to warp.

Take Care of Your Water Heater

Your water heater works hard 24/7. Without proper maintenance, it’s only a matter of time before it fails you.

Did you know that most people never maintain their water heaters or don’t know that they should? This is why water heaters last 8-10 years instead of 12-15 years.

You should drain and flush the tank once a year to remove sediment build-up. Set the temperature to 120°F. Every three to four years you should check the anode rod since this prevents your tank from rusting.

Clean Your Drains

Clogged drains start slowly as soap scum, hair, and grease accumulate over time.

Prevention is much better than dealing with backups and clogs. Use a drain snake once a month on bathroom drains. And never pour cooking oil down your kitchen sink since it will solidify and block your pipes.

Run hot water for a few minutes at least once a week to dissolve buildup. Try using baking soda and vinegar once a month to naturally clean your drains.

Locate Your Main Water Shutoff Valve

This is easily the most important tip in the entire article.

**When a plumbing emergency occurs, every second counts. ** Locate your main water shutoff valve right now. You should find it where the water enters your house.

If you have children, make sure your entire family knows where the water shutoff is and how to turn it off.

Watch For These Plumbing Warning Signs

Some plumbing problems are loud and obvious. Others whisper warnings that most homeowners don’t hear.

Red flags include water stains on walls or ceilings, as these indicate hidden leaks. 

If you find that you have lower water pressure throughout your home, this could signal issues with your pipes. Strange noises from your plumbing definitely warrants your attention.

Odd sounds, such as banging pipes, can damage your joints and fittings. Increased water bills are your first early warning system that something’s not right. If your water usage has not changed but your bill has spiked, you probably have a leak.

Don’t Neglect Your Sump Pump

If your home has a sump pump, it’s your last line of defense against flooding and water damage.

Test it every few months by pouring water into the sump pit until the float rises and turns the pump on. The pump should quickly remove the water and then shut off by itself.

Clean the pit at least once a year, and check that the discharge pipe is directing the water well away from your home’s foundation.

Create Your Smart Homeowner’s Inspection Schedule

Done is better than perfect when it comes to plumbing maintenance.

Monthly quick checks that take a few minutes to prevent major problems:

  • Visually inspect toilets, under sinks, and near appliances for water leaks
  • Test water pressure at several different fixtures throughout your home
  • Run water in drains that are not used daily to fill traps

Quarterly plumbing maintenance tasks to do a bit deeper:

  • Clean aerators on faucets and showerheads
  • Inspect toilet tank components for wear, such as flappers
  • Test your sump pump

Annual plumbing tasks that take more time but can save you thousands:

  • Have professionals clean your main drains to maintain your main lines
  • Perform water heater maintenance and inspect anode rod
  • Do a whole-house leak detection check

Hire A Pro If You Notice These Problems

DIY plumbing maintenance will go a long way, but know your limits.

If you encounter any of these problems, then call in the professionals right away:

  • Any gas line issues or gas smell
  • Major pipe bursts or flooding
  • Sewer line backups or multiple drain issues
  • Water heater replacement or major repairs needed

Signs that you need expert help:

  • Frequent clogs in the same drain
  • Water pressure problems affecting the entire home
  • Discolored or foul-smelling water
  • Constantly running water meter when nothing is on

The sooner you catch problems, the cheaper they are to fix. A $200 service call is always better than a $10,000 water damage claim.

Preventive Plumbing Maintenance is a Smart Investment

Preventive plumbing maintenance is one of the best investments you can make in your home.

A few hours of work each year to check your pipes and fixtures can prevent thousands of dollars in emergency repairs. The average household loses 10,000 gallons a year through leaks. That’s money literally going down the drain.

Start with the basics:

  • Locate your main shutoff valve today
  • Test toilets for leaks this weekend
  • Schedule annual water heater maintenance service
  • Get into the habit of monthly inspections

Wrapping Up

Plumbing maintenance isn’t rocket science, but it does require some regular attention.

The numbers don’t lie – water damage is a daily disaster for thousands of homeowners and billions in insurance claims. But most of these disasters are completely preventable with simple, regular maintenance.

Checking your water pressure, inspecting toilets, and maintaining your water heater are all small actions that add up to big savings. And when you do need to hire professional help, using qualified plumbers ensures the job will be done right the first time and you won’t get ripped off.

Don’t wait until you have a plumbing emergency to get off your butt and take action. Start your routine maintenance plan today and keep your home out of the disaster statistics.