Ask any plumber and they will tell you that the best way to avoid a major plumbing breakdown is regular maintenance and prevention. Keeping a constant eye on how your plumbing system is performing may not seem like a fun exercise, but it is a necessary and free way to keep your plumbing from failing. When you work on preventative measure, you are able to catch small issues before they escalate into major problems. A small plumbing issue is always easier and less expensive to repair than a full blown disaster.

Here are some essential tips for maintaining your plumbing:

• Monitor your pipes. The largest part of your plumbing system is the pipes. This configuration makes up several hundred square feet of your entire plumbing matrix and when something happens with one pipe – it happens to them all. As soon as you notice anything strange going on with your pipes, whether it be a clog or a leak, contact a plumber immediately. Once a month fill your sink or bathtub with boiling hot water and let it sit for five minutes. Then release the plug and allow the boiling water to rinse down the drain. This will break up any build-up and rinse away any clogs that are forming.
• Have your drains cleaned. Schedule regular drain cleaning with a professional plumber so that all build-up that is forming in your pipes is removed and clogs are never allowed to back-up your drains.
• At least one time per year, having your hot water heater flushed. Over time, the water that is stored in your hot water heater tank leaves behind mineral deposits. These deposits accumulate and form into a layer of sediment that settles onto the bottom of your hot water heater tank. This sediment causes your heating element to be buffered from the water and the water does not heat as efficiently
• Use eco-friendly products in your sink, dishwasher, and washing machine. Whether you are on a septic system or not, using eco-friendly products is much kinder to your plumbing system. These products do not contain chemicals that force a lather, which means that they are less likely to cause residue build-up and clogs in your pipes.

Prevention is the best way to avoid major plumbing failures that cost a lot of time and money. Follow these simple tips to make sure that your home is free from any plumbing breakdowns this summer, or in future.