How to Maintain Your Plumbing System to Avoid Costly Repairs
Plumbing isn’t something most folks think about until it’s too late. You flip the faucet, expecting water. You flush the toilet, expect it to go down. And when it doesn’t? That’s when the panic sets in.
Thing is, a lot of the big, expensive plumbing issues we see out in the field are entirely preventable. We’re talking burst pipes, massive leaks, backed-up drains—problems that didn’t just appear overnight. They built up over time from small issues ignored too long.
With a little regular upkeep, you can save yourself a heap of money and frustration. So if you’re looking to stay ahead of breakdowns, extend the life of your system, and avoid emergency calls at 2 a.m., stick around. These tips can make a world of difference.
Know Where Your Main Shut-Off Valve Is
Let’s start with something really basic—but incredibly important.
If a pipe bursts or your water heater springs a leak, the first thing you need to do is shut off the water. Every second counts. Yet you’d be surprised how many homeowners don’t know where their main shut-off valve is.
It’s usually in the basement, crawlspace, garage, or near the foundation where the main water line enters the house. Find it, test it to make sure it turns freely, and show the rest of the household too. It could save you thousands in damage.
Watch for the Small Stuff
Little drips and slow drains are more than just annoyances. They’re warning signs.
A dripping faucet might not seem urgent, but it adds up, both in wasted water and wear on the fixture. Slow drains can mean that a buildup is forming, and if left alone, that buildup can turn into a full-on clog.
Don’t wait until water backs up into your tub or overflows your sink. Tackle small problems before they snowball into big ones.
Signs something might be brewing:
- Gurgling noises in the pipes
- Unpleasant odors from drains
- Wet spots on ceilings or walls
- Spikes in your water bill without obvious reason
Be Kind to Your Drains
Your drains are not a garbage can. Too many people treat them like one, and that’s when the problems start.
Here’s a quick list of what not to put down the drain:
- Grease or cooking oil
- Coffee grounds
- Pasta, rice, or bread (they expand and clog)
- Wipes (even the ones labeled “flushable”)
- Hair (get a drain screen—it’s a $2 fix that saves $200 headaches)
If you wouldn’t eat it or flush it in a public restroom, it probably doesn’t belong in your plumbing.
Regularly Check for Leaks
Set aside some time every couple of months to do a quick leak check. Open up the cabinets under your sinks, check behind your toilet, peek around the base of your water heater, and look for anything damp or dripping.
Feel around pipes for moisture. Look for rust, mineral deposits, or warped flooring. Leaks can be sneaky. They hide in plain sight and quietly do their damage.
You don’t need to be a plumber to notice something’s off. Just be curious. If something seems weird, it probably is.
Don’t Forget Your Water Heater
Your water heater works hard—every day, every season. But it’s often the most neglected part of the system.
Here’s what you can do to keep it running right:
- Drain it once a year to remove sediment (especially in areas with hard water)
- Check the pressure relief valve—that’s the little lever on the side
- Inspect for rust or leaks around the base
Water heaters last around 8–12 years on average. A bit of maintenance can help you get the most out of yours.
Winterize Your Pipes Before It’s Too Late
Here in our area, cold snaps are no joke. Every winter, we get flooded with calls about frozen or burst pipes—and almost all of them could’ve been prevented.
If you’ve got pipes in unheated spaces (like garages, attics, or crawlspaces), insulate them. Foam pipe sleeves are easy to install and affordable. Outdoor faucets? Disconnect your hoses and use faucet covers.
On really cold nights, open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air in. Let a trickle of water run to keep things moving. It doesn’t take much, but it can make a big difference.
I still remember a job from a few years back, family had just left for the holidays. They turned the heat down low, didn’t insulate the basement pipes. One froze and burst, and by the time they got home, half the lower level was underwater. Carpet ruined, drywall soaked, furniture trashed. Thousands in repairs—all from a single pipe that got too cold.
It’s stuff like that that sticks with you.
Use Strainers and Screens
Simple tools, big results. Mesh strainers in the kitchen sink catch food bits before they get washed down. Hair catchers in the tub prevent buildup in the drain trap.
They’re cheap, easy to clean, and can prevent some of the most common clog calls we get.
Keep an Eye on Water Pressure
Too much of a good thing is still too much. High water pressure feels great in the shower, sure—but it puts extra strain on your pipes, fixtures, and appliances.
The ideal home pressure is usually between 40–60 psi. If you’ve got a gauge, you can check it at an outdoor spigot. If it’s consistently high, a pressure-reducing valve might be in order. It’s one of those “set it and forget it” upgrades that can save you a lot down the line.
Schedule Annual Inspections
Even if nothing seems wrong, having a pro check your plumbing once a year is smart. We’ll spot early signs of corrosion, slow leaks, pressure problems, or outdated components before they cause major damage.
You get peace of mind, and your plumbing gets a clean bill of health.
Plus, regular checkups mean you’re building a relationship with someone who knows your system. When something does go wrong, you’re not flipping through the phone book or hoping a stranger shows up on time.
When to Call a Professional
There’s plenty you can do on your own. But sometimes, you need a trained eye—and the right tools—to get the job done right.
If you notice:
- Sudden drop in water pressure
- Sewer smells coming from drains
- Water discoloration or rust
- Recurring clogs that don’t stay fixed
- Mold or mildew growth around plumbing
…it’s time to get us involved.
Trying to “DIY” serious plumbing issues usually ends up costing more in the long run. Trust me, we’ve seen it.
Get In Touch With Our Team
Your plumbing works hard every single day. It gives you hot showers, clean dishes, and flushes your problems down the drain—literally. But like anything mechanical, it needs a little care.
You don’t have to be a plumber to keep things running smoothly. Just stay aware. Take care of the little stuff before it becomes big stuff. Know when to call in backup.
And if you ever feel unsure or overwhelmed, our team at Downey Plumbing is here to help. We’ve seen it all, fixed it all, and we’re always just a call away. Give us a ring at 562-646-1221 and we’ll make sure your plumbing stays quiet, clean, and problem-free—just the way it should be.
