When it comes to avoiding the cost of plumbing repairs, one of the most important things is maintenance. If you, as a homeowner, can perform regular maintenance on your plumbing, you can save literally thousands on plumbing repairs over time. Here is a plumbing tip or two to help you care for your plumbing regularly.

Check your plumbing valves. If you don’t turn them on and off periodically, they could become stuck, leading to rust and breaking the next time you need to turn them off for any reason.

Inspection – You should inspect pipes at least once a year for leaks, looking for wetness or rust around fittings, or even corrosion or mineral deposits. This can be a sign of serious trouble to come, or you can take the opportunity to fix it before it becomes a bigger issue.

Leaks in the house – Repair leaks in the house, as they are costly in terms of lost water, as well as fixture replacement. If your faucets leak, they will corrode and rust, making them useless.

Keep drains open – To prevent clogging, be sure to run hot water, by itself, through the drain for at least 30 seconds on a weekly basis.

Don’t flush toilet paper – This can easily lead to clogs in the drain. Keep a wastebasket, and throw used paper in it rather than in the commode. It will save you a lot of work and potential disaster in the future.

Another plumbing tip to consider is removing soap scum and mineral deposits from faucets and shower heads so they remain free flowing. Use vinegar in a plastic bag and place over the fixture for several minutes, and watch the minerals dissolve.

It’s also a good idea to take care of your water heater. One plumbing tip for this is to drain the water from it at least once every three months, which will keep it from building up mineral deposits and other things that can clog and corrode the tank. This assures a longer life for your water heater, saving you on the cost of replacement over the years.

When it comes to home plumbing maintenance, there are a number of things you can do to avoid calling a plumber for small repairs. You can keep your plumbing fixtures and pipes in good shape by taking these plumbing tips and applying them in your home!