Your Home May Have a Leak! Why You Shouldn't Neglect Routine Maintenance

Everyone knows that plumbing problems are a hassle, whether they are minor or major issues. Yet all too often, people neglect routine maintenance and think they can get away without the expense of repairs because "it hasn't happened to me yet." But if you don't maintain your plumbing system regularly, these expensive disasters will inevitably happen — often when least expected. Here are reasons why you should never neglect routine plumbing maintenance.

1. Prevention

Prevention is the best way to deal with any issues with your plumbing system. Regular maintenance, such as drain cleaning and water heater servicing, can help you avoid potentially costly repairs in the future by keeping them from occurring in the first place. You'll know that all areas of your plumbing are operating at peak performance when they receive a regular checkup and cleaning.

2. Avoiding Emergency Plumbing Repairs

Routine maintenance means that issues with your plumbing system don't get out of control and worsen over time. However, problems tend to escalate quickly if you ignore them too long, and you could find yourself needing immediate repairs because you haven't acted on early warning signs. For instance, ignoring drain clogs can result in backups that flood your house, bringing all kinds of potentially dangerous mold and bacteria with them.

3. Protecting Your Money

Regular plumbing maintenance is significantly less expensive than emergency repairs or paying for the full cost of replacements after they are needed. You'll have to pay someone to fix just about any problem that arises, especially if it's a major problem. You can prevent paying for those expensive repairs by investing in routine maintenance now.

4. Extending the Life of Pipes and Fixtures

If you want to save money, your best bet is to ensure that every component of your plumbing system lives as long as possible. In many cases, if one part of the system is on its way out, there are warning signs that other components can also be expected to fail relatively soon. Routine maintenance includes regularly inspecting all parts of the plumbing system to know what condition everything is in and how long each component can be expected to last.

5. Avoiding Unpleasant Odors

Unpleasant odors often indicate an issue with your plumbing system. A problem with any component can cause wastewater to leak onto the ground, which produces a disgusting smell. If you've noticed an unpleasant odor around your home, make sure to inspect all of your plumbing components to make sure they aren't the source.

According to Comfy Living, leak issues in about 10% of US homes waste 90 gallons of water each day, resulting in the waste of approximately 10,000 gallons of water every year. Routine plumbing maintenance can help everyone avoid these costly problems.