Keeping up with important plumbing maintenance can prevent major breakdowns and save you money on water bills over time. It can also protect your family's health by preventing mold and mildew growth from contaminating your home's water supply. 

Check your water meter reading before and after not using any water for two hours to determine if you have a leak. Other visual checks include checking sink drains and checking exposed pipes for rust or corrosion. 

Drain Cleaning 

Drain cleaning is a vital part of plumbing maintenance, and if you neglect it, you could find yourself dealing with serious water damage problems. You can do some drain cleaning at home by simply pouring boiling water down your sinks, but a professional plumber will use a more thorough method to clear out hardened gunk. A blocked drain in Melbourne can be a nuisance but with the help of a plumber, it will be cleared and functioning in no time. 

A professional will also inspect your main sewer line to ensure that it’s free of clogs and other damage. This is important because your whole house’s drains and fixtures connect to this line, which carries waste and sewage to the public sewer system or septic tank. 

Signs that your drains are in need of cleaning include gurgling sounds and standing water. If you notice these symptoms, call a professional right away. Avoid using chemical cleaners as these can corrode your pipes and cause further issues. Instead, opt for a natural solution like baking soda or vinegar. These are safer and more effective. 

Water Heater 

Your water heater is a vital home appliance, providing hot showers, clean dishes, and laundry. However, it is often overlooked until something goes wrong. Routine inspections and timely repairs can help prolong the lifespan of your water heater and keep it running smoothly. 

A tripped high-limit switch or a rusty pressure relief valve can indicate serious problems with your water heater that should be repaired by a plumber. These issues can lead to excessive heat, water leaks, or even a fire. 

A faulty water heater can cause expensive repair bills and disruption to your daily routine. A plumber can conduct a thorough inspection and repair any minor problems, such as leaks, to prevent them from getting worse. They can also inspect and flush your water tank to remove sediment, boosting efficiency and ensuring your family has access to clean, healthy water. Water heaters that work efficiently use less energy, cutting down on your utility bills. 

Sewer Lines 

Sewer lines drain waste and wastewater from your home, but they can become clogged and damaged over time. This can result in backups and other serious

plumbing issues within your home. 

A clogged sewer line will typically show up first in your toilets, causing water and waste to back up into your home. This can cause severe damage and even health hazards. A professional plumber will use a camera inspection and specialized equipment to clean out and repair your sewer lines. 

You can help prevent clogs by being careful about what you put down your drains. Avoid flushing items like wipes, diapers, paper towels, and cooking grease, which can contribute to clogs. Installing drain screens in your home can also mitigate clogs. In addition, scheduling regular professional inspections will reduce the likelihood of a major problem down the road. A properly functioning sewer line will extend the lifespan of your plumbing system. It will also minimize the need for costly replacements and repairs. 

Faucets 

Faucets should be cleaned regularly to remove hard water deposits, prevent mineral buildup, and keep them looking their best. Different faucet materials require slightly different cleaning methods, but in general, a soft cloth and mild cleaner should suffice. Be careful with any abrasive cleaners that could harm the finish of your faucets. It is also important to dry your faucets after each use. Not only does this minimize the appearance of water spots and mineral buildup, but it also limits the risk of attracting pests like ants, roaches, and rodents. 

Leaky faucets are not only annoying, but they can also lead to water waste and increased utility bills. In addition, ignoring leaks can cause further damage to your home’s plumbing system and even lead to flooding and mold. Regular maintenance and prompt plumbing repair can help reduce utility bills, property damage, and extend the lifespan of your fixtures.