Is a clogged drain or the inconvenience of a dripping faucet a daily frustration for you? What would you do in those situations where you have one plumbing problem after another with no end in sight? You can’t be Mr Fix-it all the time. If you are constantly fixing one problem or another, then what you are doing isn’t working. It may be time to call a professional. That’s what this article is all about.
No matter how handy you are, and how much you want to do it yourself, there will come a time when hiring a professional is the best course of action. When you DIY and fix a water pipe, you are keeping the water flowing for the moment, but you are missing the larger picture: safeguarding your investment. Only by implementing a proactive approach to plumbing maintenance can you transform your property management strategy from reactive firefighting to proactive peace of mind.
Don’t neglect serious water damage or costly repairs. Your property is an investment; treat it with the care it deserves and seek professional help if necessary.
DIY preventative maintenance
1. Improve water supply
Every time you use your sink or shower, you’re adding to the buildup of potential clogs. Grease, coffee grounds, and food scraps are common culprits that can solidify and block your pipes over time. To prevent this, avoid pouring these substances down the drain. Instead, dispose of them in the trash. Consider using drain screens or filters to catch hair and other debris before they enter your pipes.
2. Check toilets for leaks
Your toilet is designed to handle human waste and toilet paper only. Flushing anything else, such as wipes, hygiene products, or paper towels, can lead to clogs. Regularly inspect your toilet for leaks, as even a small leak can waste a significant amount of water over time. Ensure the flapper valve in the tank closes properly after each flush to prevent water from continuously running.
3. Do monthly maintenance
The P-trap is a vital component of your plumbing system that prevents sewer gases from entering your home. It also traps debris that could cause clogs further down the line. To clean the P-trap, place a bucket underneath it to catch any water or debris, then unscrew the trap and clean it out. Once cleaned, reattach it securely.
Hard water contains minerals that can build up in your showerhead over time, reducing water flow and pressure. To remove these deposits, remove the showerhead and soak it in a solution of equal parts water and vinegar for a few hours. After soaking, scrub the showerhead with a brush to remove any remaining deposits. Rinse the showerhead thoroughly before reattaching it.
4. Yearly inspection is unavoidable
Hiring a licensed plumber for an annual inspection is a wise investment in your home’s plumbing system. A professional plumber can identify potential issues early on, such as hidden leaks or deteriorating pipes, and address them before they become major problems. They can also check the water pressure in your home to ensure it’s at the optimal level for your plumbing system.
Over time, sediment can accumulate in your water heater, reducing its efficiency and potentially causing damage. Draining your water heater annually helps remove this sediment, allowing your water heater to operate more efficiently and last longer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for draining your water heater, as the process can vary depending on the type of water heater you have.
The power of preventative maintenance
In an emergency, knowing how to quickly shut off the water to your fixtures can prevent extensive water damage to your home. Locate the shut-off valves for each fixture in your home, such as sinks, toilets, and appliances, and make sure they are easily accessible. Labeling these valves can also be helpful in an emergency situation.
Pipes in unheated areas of your home, such as garages or crawlspaces, are susceptible to freezing during cold weather. Insulating these pipes with pipe insulation can help prevent them from freezing and bursting. Pipe insulation is easy to install and can be purchased at most hardware stores. Insulating your pipes can save you from costly repairs and water damage caused by frozen pipes.
The advantages of regular plumbing maintenance
1. Stop emergencies before they start
Plumbing emergencies aren’t just disruptive for tenants; they can also lead to costly repairs and lost revenue. Regular maintenance helps identify and address minor issues before they snowball into major catastrophes. Think of it as catching a leak early on—a small patch is far easier and cheaper than a full-blown renovation.
2. Extend the lifespan of your plumbing system
Just like any machine, your building’s plumbing system benefits from regular care. Maintenance helps prevent wear and tear on pipes and fixtures, extending their lifespan and saving you money on replacements down the line. By investing in regular maintenance, you will save money in the long run.
3. Boost your water efficiency
Leaky faucets and inefficient fixtures will waste water, silently draining your profits. Regular maintenance helps to ensure optimal water usage throughout your building, reducing utility costs and minimizing your environmental footprint. Every drop saved goes straight to your bottom line.
4. Leak detection
Hidden leaks are the silent assassins of a healthy building. Regular inspections with specialized tools like leak detectors can identify these problems before they cause extensive water damage, mold growth, and costly repairs. Implementing proactive leak detection is a cost-effective way of stopping problems before they start.
5. Happier tenants
Consistent water pressure and smoothly functioning drains lead to satisfied tenants. Regular maintenance ensures a comfortable living environment, free from the frustration of low-pressure showers overflowing sinks, or the need to fix it yourself. Happy tenants translate to longer lease terms.
The role of professional plumbers
1. Use their experience and expertise
Many Americans enjoy DIY projects. They get to experiment with finding their own solution and learn new things along the way. But, by experimenting and researching solutions to a problem, they are directly avoiding professional help with maintenance. Instead of hiring someone who knows, YouTube videos are being watched. This means professional help is being replaced with information gleaned from other resources—which isn’t surprising; plumbing systems are complex, and misdiagnosing a problem is easy. A misdiagnosis can lead to wasted time and money, which begs the question, “Isn’t it better to seek professional help in the first place?”
So why stress yourself out? Professional plumbers possess the expertise to identify the root cause of a problem much more quickly than you can. By drawing on their experience as subject matter experts, they can resolve problems quickly and make sure the right solution is implemented the first time.
2. Work for specialized tools for specialized jobs
The right tool for the right job goes beyond just a wrench and a plunger. Professional plumbers have access to advanced equipment like video inspection cameras and specialized cleaning tools. These high-tech features allow them to tackle complex tasks efficiently and effectively. Even if you are willing to use these tools, you still need to find them first. Buying new tools that you will only use once or twice is simply a waste of money. Plumbing professionals, on the other hand, come already equipped with the tools they need to get the job done right. By relying on a professional, you can save yourself time, money, and frustration.
3. Provide warranties and prevent costly repairs and replacements
Professional plumbers typically offer warranties on their services. This means if an issue arises after the repair is complete, they will return to fix it at no additional cost (within the warranty timeframe). Warranties provide peace of mind and protect your bottom line from unforeseen expenses. While regular maintenance might seem like an additional expense, it is an investment that saves you money in the long run. Catching minor problems early on prevents them from escalating into expensive emergencies, saving you from costly repairs and replacements. Think of it as proactive financial planning for your building.
Well-maintained plumbing system ensures optimal water pressure and reduces the risk of leaks, leading to increased water efficiency and lower water bills. Regular care extends the lifespan of your plumbing fixtures and pipework, saving you from premature replacements. Also, by preventing clogs and addressing them promptly, you’ll avoid the inconvenience and frustration of dealing with backed-up drains.
How to find the right plumbing service provider?
Regular maintenance is required if you are going to enjoy the long-term benefits of leak-free pipes. Choosing the right service provider is critical when it comes to addressing your plumbing needs. Here are a few things you need to consider before selecting a plumbing company.
1. Ask your friends about their experiences
Ask your friends, family, and neighbors about any plumbing work that they have had done recently. Finding out what worked for other people in your area will help narrow down the options available locally without having to do too much research. Receiving a recommendation from someone you trust can go a long way. A local real estate agent or hardware store may be able to refer you to reliable plumbers. Once you have narrowed down your list to the best possible candidates, the next step is to ask for quotes. This will make it easier to decide who fits into your budget. Make sure to ask if the price quoted would make it easier for you to choose who fits into your budget. Be sure to ask if the quote is for the entire job or if there might be additional charges.
2. Do online research and make sure to check their credential
The Internet can be your best friend when searching for a plumber. Even beyond company websites, a wealth of information is available online. Look for honest reviews on platforms like Reddit and Quora, where people share their real-life experiences. Additionally, seek out reputable websites that have compiled lists of top-rated service providers for your area. But always remember to look further than the reviews. When doing your research, remember to verify a plumber’s credentials and ensure that they hold a valid state-issued license.
3. Check if they have a customer portal
See if service providers have a customer portal for booking new appointments and reviewing previous service history. Maintenance is not a one-time thing; it will recur time and again throughout the life of the property. Being able to check previous call history on a site, as well as scheduled weekly, monthly, or yearly tasks, is powerful. If every time a customer wants to book an appointment, they are forced to make a phone call, they will quickly look for a service provider who has implemented a customer portal. When you have a customer portal, you can find all service information in one place, complete with call history—and any new calls can be scheduled at your convenience.
4. Choose the one using FSM software
What distinguishes a service from its competitors is how successful it is in simplifying the customer experience. Speaking of which, using a field service management solution should not be overlooked. An FSM platform enhances maintenance workflows and streamlines business processes with digital automation.
Field service management software takes care of the whole job life-cycle, from scheduling to dispatching, to monitoring in real-time. Jobs are scheduled and assigned more quickly, enabling companies to optimize their available resources. Further, with FSM software, plumbers can auto-generate invoices and get them signed by you electronically. With field service management software, there will be no delays in making payments. You have payment and consumer financing options from subscription-based pricing to digital methods like ACH, Credit/debit card, and ‘Buy now, Pay later’ options. Using these options, you can complete your payment at your convenience—Yes! Your plumbing technician can send a payment link, allowing you to make the payment whenever you are ready for it.
Short recap
Plumbing problems are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you have to become a plumber! Save yourself the time, hassle, and potential for disaster by calling a professional. Look for a company that utilizes advanced technology like FSM (Field Service Management) solution. These tools streamline scheduling and communication and ensure a smoother, more efficient service experience for you. Focus on your peace of mind, not on plumbing woes.
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