If you’re living in your first home, you might not necessarily know right away all the things you need to keep track of in terms of maintenance. Home maintenance can be a bit intimidating, particularly for difficult things like plumbing. Here are a few tips and tricks to checking up on your home’s plumbing and deciding when it’s time to call in a professional residential plumber.

Household Leaks

While that dripping faucet or leaky shower head might not seem like a big deal, you could be wasting a lot of water and spending money by not addressing the issue. A leaky faucet that drips twice per minute will waste over one gallon of water in a week. If you notice a leaky faucet, it’s best to call your local plumbers sooner rather than later; the longer it leaks, the more water you waste.

Backed Up Drains

While this is less likely to be a frequent issue, backed up drains can potentially be a sign of more serious issues than just your average clog. Certain types of plumbing can develop mineral build up and require professional repair. Usually, the problem isn’t quite as serious, but it’s best to get in touch with a plumber just to be on the safe side.`

Major Repairs

Sometimes, a serious issue will come up; you’ll notice a broken pipe, or you’ll have to schedule water line repair. When this happens, you’ll want a residential plumbing service that’s able to respond quickly to emergencies. Things like water line repair usually can’t wait, so if you see signs of a bigger problem, don’t put off that phone call.

Keep A Calendar

One of the easiest ways to avoid needing expensive major repairs to your home’s plumbing is by sticking to a consistent repair schedule. Try to keep track of how long the various fixtures in your home last and how long they’ve gone without being checked. If you notice a particularly old appliance or fixture in your home, give your plumbers a call to see if there’s anything that needs to be done.

Plumbing issues and repair can be stressful for first-time homeowners, but having reliable plumbing services available can help. For more information or to schedule services, contact Shane Elmore Plumbing today.