Consider Regular Plumbing Maintenance as a New Year’s Resolution

plumbing

What Happens During Routine Plumbing Maintenance

Augusta homeowners considering their New Year’s resolutions should start by adding a practical goal: scheduling routine plumbing maintenance. This proactive step ensures a home’s plumbing system remains in top condition while offering significant benefits. Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected problems, keeps systems running efficiently, and saves money.

Augusta, GA, plumbers outline the importance of plumbing maintenance and its many advantages for households.

Benefits of Plumbing Maintenance

save money Scheduling regular plumbing inspections offers homeowners numerous advantages. While it allows professionals to get an up-close look at their plumbing system and appliances, there are numerous other benefits to having these inspections performed regularly:

  • Ensuring pipes, fixtures, and appliances function properly, reducing the risk of unexpected issues.
  • Catching minor problems early to prevent costly repairs or extensive damage down the line.
  • Extending the lifespan of components to avoid expensive replacements.
  • Improving water efficiency by repairing leaks helps lower water usage and monthly water bills.

By prioritizing routine plumbing maintenance, homeowners can safeguard their systems, save money, and enjoy peace of mind knowing their plumbing is in peak condition.

Why Experts Should Perform Plumbing Maintenance

During visits, plumbers conduct thorough inspections and perform essential tasks to keep the plumbing system in excellent condition. Some of these include:

  • Inspection of pipes and fixtures: Expert plumbers first examine the pipes and inspect for possible leaks, corrosion, or damage so they can address them immediately before they become major problems.
  • Clearing drains and pipes: If clogging is detected, they will remove debris and buildup to prevent it from happening again and ensure smooth water flow.
  • Testing water pressure: Plumbing problems can manifest if the system’s water pressure is wrong. Plumbing professionals will also check and adjust pressure levels to protect the pipes from damage.

Schedule Yearly Water Heater Maintenance

water heater A functioning water heater is essential for daily household activities such as bathing, cooking, and cleaning. To avoid unexpected disruptions, homeowners should schedule regular maintenance with an experienced plumber.

What Happens During Water Heater Maintenance?

During water heater inspections, plumbers perform several critical tasks to ensure the water heater is working correctly and efficiently.

  • Flushing the tank: Sediment buildup inside the tank can reduce efficiency and cause damage over time. Flushing the tank removes these deposits, improving performance and extending the water heater’s lifespan.
  • Inspecting the anode rod: The anode rod protects the tank from rust. Plumbers check its condition and replace it if necessary to prevent corrosion and extend the unit’s durability.
  • Checking for leaks or corrosion: Early detection of leaks or rust can prevent costly repairs and significantly prolong the water heater’s lifespan.
  • Testing the thermostat and pressure relief valve: These components are vital for maintaining consistent water temperatures and ensuring safety. Regular testing ensures they function properly.

Benefits of Routine Water Heater Maintenance

Regular water heater care provides numerous advantages. Some of the top benefits homeowners can experience are:

  • Improved energy efficiency: A well-maintained water heater uses less energy, reducing utility bills.
  • Fewer breakdowns: Proactive maintenance minimizes the risk of unexpected failures, keeping hot water readily available.
  • Extended lifespan: Routine care reduces wear and tear, helping the water heater last longer.

By scheduling regular water heater maintenance, homeowners can ensure their systems operate efficiently, save on energy costs, and avoid the inconvenience of sudden breakdowns or premature replacements.

About Universal Plumbing

The experts at Universal Plumbing provide quality plumbing services to Augusta-Richmond County. With more than 100 years of combined experience, they offer after-hours emergency services. Call them today for plumbing services in Augusta, GA.

Avoid Costly Plumbing Emergencies This Holiday Season

clog

Use These Tips to Prevent Plumbing Issues

The holiday season is all about enjoying great food and quality time with friends and family—not dealing with a plumbing emergency like a clogged drain, leaky pipe, or broken water heater. Homeowners can help avoid these issues with essential plumbing maintenance tasks. This post will explain how to help keep a home’s plumbing system running smoothly and safely throughout the season.

How to Avoid Clogged Sewer Lines and Toilets

clog A clogged toilet or clogged sewer line can quickly damper a holiday gathering. During the season, the risk of clogs increases as more guests use the bathrooms and the kitchen. 

To help prevent these issues and keep the holidays festive, homeowners should be mindful of what goes down the drains and ensure only human waste and toilet paper are flushed down toilets. Things like paper towels, wipes, feminine hygiene products, and dental floss belong in the trash, as they can cause clogs.

When cooking, avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease down the kitchen sink drain. When these materials solidify, they can cause stubborn clogs. Instead, collect grease in a container and dispose of it once it cools and hardens. 

Additionally, avoid putting items like coffee grounds, bones, pasta, and eggshells down the drain, as these items are also common culprits of blockages.

By following these simple preventive measures, homeowners can reduce the risk of sewer line clogs, sewage backups, and more, keeping their plumbing system running smoothly throughout the busy holiday season. If a clog does occur, a plumber should be called for drain cleaning. 

Benefits of Performing Regular Plumbing Maintenance

Never put off routine plumbing maintenance. It helps prevent emergencies and plumbing nightmares. This maintenance includes checking for leaks, clearing drains, and ensuring that water heaters and pipes are working properly. It allows plumbers to inspect the system, spot potential issues, and make necessary repairs before they become major problems.

During the maintenance visit, plumbers can spot early indicators of leaks, corrosion, and worn-out parts. They can fix these issues before they lead to costly repairs or breakdowns, extending the lifespan of the plumbing. Regular plumbing maintenance also helps the system run more efficiently. This can reduce water usage and lower bills. Investing in routine maintenance services can lead to significant benefits for homeowners. 

Why Schedule Water Heater Maintenance

water heater Most households rely on a steady hot water supply when preparing holiday meals or hosting guests. If the water heater suddenly stops working, it can significantly inconvenience homeowners during the holidays. 

Regular water heater maintenance can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensure reliable hot water access. During appointments, plumbers will:

  • Flush and drain the tank to remove sediment that can affect the water heater and cause inefficiency, ensuring a steady hot water supply and lower costs.
  • Replace the anode rod if needed to prevent water heater corrosion. 
  • Extend the water heater’s lifespan by addressing problems before they worsen.

By scheduling annual maintenance, homeowners can keep their plumbing systems and water heaters in optimal condition, ensuring both comfort and savings throughout the year.

About Universal Plumbing

The experts at Universal Plumbing provide quality plumbing services to Augusta-Richmond County. With more than 100 years of combined experience, they offer after-hours emergency services. Call them today for plumbing repairs and maintenance in Augusta, GA.

Steps to Follow in Case of a Gas Leak

house

How Gas Leak Detection Services Benefit Households

Gas leaks can pose significant health, safety, and property risks to household members. If they occur in a home, they can put family members at risk of fires, explosions, health hazards, and other problems. 

To avoid these issues, Augusta, GA, homeowners must be aware of the importance of gas leak detection, the risks and symptoms it causes, and what households should do when they suspect one.

Dangers of Gas Leaks

dizzy Natural gas leaks are alarming, as they can harm household members and wreck homes. Some of the risks that can jeopardize lives include:

  • Fires: Gas leaks can ignite a fire that can spread quickly and cause extensive damage.
  • Explosions: Explosive conditions can be caused by gas leaks, putting homeowners’ safety, property, and loved ones at risk.
  • Health hazards: When gas leaks into the home, it can release harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.

If homeowners have a gas leak, they must quickly schedule professional gas line repairs to avoid these threats.

Common Gas Leak Symptoms

bad smell One of the biggest steps homeowners can take to protect themselves and their homes from gas leaks is understanding its signs. By recognizing the symptoms, homeowners can quickly call a plumber to schedule gas line leak detection services and repairs. Some of the symptoms include: 

  • Unpleasant Odor: A sulfurous or rotten egg smell can signal a gas leak.
  • Unusual Noises: Listen for hissing or whistling sounds near gas appliances or pipes.
  • Dying Vegetation: Noticeable brown patches of grass or dying plants around homes could indicate a gas leak.
  • Health problems: Headaches, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath can be signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, often caused by gas leaks.

Important Steps to Take When a Gas Leak Occurs

If a gas leak occurs at home, homeowners must take the right steps to protect their household and home. Below are the steps to follow as recommended by plumbers:

  • Evacuate the house: Leave the premises immediately and avoid using electronic devices.
  • Contact emergency services: Call the local gas company or emergency services to report the suspected leak.
  • Seek professional help: Gas leaks are dangerous and should be handled by professionals only. Homeowners should call a trusted plumber to find the leak and repair it.

About Universal Plumbing 

The experienced and trained team from Universal Plumbing performs complete plumbing services in the Augusta area. With more than 100 years of experience, they offer after-hours emergency services. Call them today for gas leak services in Augusta, GA.