When it comes to maintaining the upkeep of your home, one of the most important things you need to keep in mind (but many forget) is your plumbing. With a plumbing system that runs efficiently, you can make the most of clean, fresh water as well as keep your home in its best shape. If you are looking to sell your house you will also need to have a well-running plumbing system as otherwise, it can knock value off the property. Here we take a look at some of the top home plumbing maintenance tasks that you can do to keep it running as well as possible. Remember, it is always a good idea to get a professional in to help with these as they can ensure it is all done properly and you can have complete peace of mind.

Plumbing Maintenance Checklist

These are some of the main plumbing maintenance tasks for you to do at least a few times a year and particularly before the start of winter.
  1. Check for water leaks - It’s important to identify if leaks are coming from anywhere such as under your sink or behind your appliances. The sooner they are found, the less damage they can cause.
  2. Test water pressure - If your water pressure is too low it won’t work properly, not flushing the toilet as it should and taps could come out as a trickle. Too high and it could burst your pipes or damage your plumbing.
  3. Check drains for blockages - From hair to food, there are many things that can block your drains. Be sure to check for any blockages to prevent damage.
  4. Clear shower & basin of hair or debris - This can easily build up and cause havoc to your plumbing. Check this regularly to avoid any issues happening.
  5. Inspect your water heater - It’s important to check this is functioning as it should be.
  6. Inspect pipes for corrosion -Corrosion such as rust or leaks can cause dampness in your home and lead to a host of issues. Be sure to inspect your pipes for any signs and catch a potential issue before it happens.
  7. Clean showerheads - Grime and limescale can build up on your showerheads causing pressure to build and pipes to burst or water quality to decrease. Regularly clean them to stop any buildup.
  8. Clear out the gutters - Don’t neglect the plumbing on the outside of your house. Check your drains regularly - particularly in the colder weather for blockages caused by things such as leaves.
  9. Check washing machine/dishwasher hoses for cracks/leaks - Carefully inspect your home appliances and hose for cracks and leaks to ensure you don’t get damp in your house and that they are working as they should.
These are the top things you need in order to prevent a plumbing emergency from happening. If you don't have the time or want to have peace of mind that it's done properly, don't be afraid to contact a licensed plumber who can take a look for you and advise you on what to do in different plumbing related scenarios.