Ever had a shower suddenly turn into a trickle, or discovered a soggy patch on the wall that definitely shouldn’t be there? Plumbing problems have a habit of popping up at the worst times, and when they do, they’re more than just annoying.
They can throw your whole day into chaos. The thing is, many of these issues don’t just appear out of thin air. With a bit of regular care, most plumbing disasters are completely avoidable.
In this blog, we’re diving into how often you should schedule plumbing maintenance to avoid nasty surprises. It’s about staying one step ahead of problems, rather than scrambling when it’s too late.
Why Plumbing Maintenance Actually Matters
It might not be the most exciting thing on your to-do list, but regular plumbing maintenance is one of the smartest things you can do for your home. Think of it like a health check-up, but for your pipes. It keeps everything working smoothly and helps you dodge those costly repairs no one wants to deal with.
Plumbing systems work quietly behind the scenes, but when something goes wrong, the damage can be anything but subtle. Water damage can lead to warped flooring, mould, and even structural problems. Left unchecked, what starts as a small leak can turn into an expensive nightmare.
Then there’s the money side of things. Emergency plumbing jobs usually come with a hefty price tag, especially if they happen after hours. Regular maintenance, on the other hand, is far more affordable and can stop problems before they spiral out of control.
Not all plumbing issues give you a heads-up. Some brew in the background for months before making their presence known. That’s why it’s worth being proactive.
So, How Often Should You Actually Book Plumbing Maintenance?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but as a general rule, getting a professional plumbing check once a year is a solid starting point for most households. It keeps things in check and helps spot early signs of trouble.
But depending on your situation, you might need to bump that up a bit:
Older Homes
If your home’s got a few decades under its belt, it’s wise to get your plumbing checked twice a year. Older pipes and fittings are more prone to corrosion, leaks, and other age-related wear and tear.
Bigger Families and Busy Households
More people using the plumbing means more strain on your system. In larger households or shared homes, water is constantly running through showers, taps, dishwashers, and washing machines. In these cases, booking maintenance every six months isn’t overkill it’s smart.
Rental Properties
If you’re a landlord, staying on top of plumbing maintenance can save you heaps in emergency call-outs and unhappy tenants. Regular checks at least once or twice a year also help meet your responsibilities and keep your property in good shape.
Ultimately, the right schedule comes down to how old your plumbing is, how heavily it’s used, and how much risk you’re willing to take.
What Does a Routine Plumbing Check Actually Involve?
If you’ve never booked one before, you might be wondering what a plumber actually does during a maintenance visit. Spoiler: it’s more than just a quick glance at your pipes.
Here’s what’s typically included:
Pipe Inspection
Your plumber will look for signs of leaks, rust, or damage in visible pipes. This helps catch problems early, before they cause water damage or costly repairs.
Hot Water System Check
Your water heater gets a workout every day. A professional will check for wear and tear, test the temperature and pressure settings, and make sure the unit is operating safely and efficiently.
Drainage and Pressure Testing
Low pressure or slow-draining sinks can signal blockages or pipe issues. During a check-up, your plumber will test water pressure and drainage performance throughout the house.
Tap and Fixture Checks
Dripping taps and leaky fittings are more than just annoying they waste water and drive up bills. Your plumber will inspect all taps, showerheads, and toilets to ensure they’re working properly.
Sewer Line Camera Inspection
Especially useful for older homes, this involves sending a camera into your sewer lines to look for cracks, tree root intrusions, or blockages. It’s not always part of a standard check-up, but is worth considering if you’ve had recurring drainage problems.
Signs You’re Well Overdue for a Plumbing Service
Not sure if it’s time for a check-up? Your home might already be dropping hints. Here are a few telltale signs you shouldn’t ignore:
- Water pressure has taken a dive, which could point to a leak or clog somewhere in the system.
- Sinks are slow to drain. Often means there’s a build-up in the pipes.
- Your water bill’s gone through the roof. A hidden leak might be to blame.
- You’ve spotted damp patches or mould. Definitely a red flag that water’s getting where it shouldn’t.
- Pipes are noisy or constantly getting blocked. That banging or gurgling could be more than just irritating.
Catching these issues early can save you a fortune and a lot of headaches down the track.
DIY vs. Calling the Pros: What You Can and Can’t Do
There’s nothing wrong with getting hands-on when it comes to basic plumbing upkeep. In fact, a few simple checks can go a long way:
Things You Can Handle Yourself:
- Regularly check under sinks and around appliances for signs of leaks
- Clean tap aerators to remove mineral build-up and improve water flow
- Clear minor blockages with a plunger or drain snake
These little jobs can help keep your system running smoothly between professional visits.
When It’s Time to Call a Licensed Plumber:
- If you notice ongoing pressure issues or repeated blockages
- If there’s visible corrosion or leaking pipes
- For anything involving your hot water system or sewer lines
Professional plumbers have the tools and training to spot problems you might miss—and to fix them properly. It’s worth getting the pros in before a small issue becomes a major drama.
Stay Ready, Not Sorry
A burst pipe, overflowing toilet, or dodgy hot water system can turn a good day into a complete mess. But with regular maintenance, you can avoid most of those nasty surprises.
Plumbing maintenance isn’t about being paranoid—it’s about being prepared. A little foresight today means fewer frantic phone calls and cleaner, calmer mornings down the road.
So, make it part of your home care routine. Your future self (and your bathroom floor) will thank you for it.
Need a Hand? Big Blue Plumbing Has You Covered
If it’s been a while since your last plumbing check, or you can’t even remember ever having one, don’t stress. Big Blue Plumbing is your local go-to for reliable, friendly service.
We offer comprehensive maintenance checks to keep your plumbing in peak condition and emergency call-outs when things go south. Our licensed plumbers know their stuff and are always ready to help, day or night.
Don’t wait until you’re ankle-deep in water or dealing with a blocked toilet. Get in touch with our team today and book your plumbing maintenance before problems start creeping in. Peace of mind is just a phone call away.
