Plumbing maintenance means regular checks of your water heater, pipes, drains and fixtures so problems are caught early. Call 540-200-2302 to get connected with a licensed plumber for a maintenance visit in the Roanoke Valley.
What a plumbing maintenance visit usually covers
- Checking visible supply lines, shutoff valves and fixture connections for leaks or corrosion.
- Flushing the water heater and testing the relief valve.
- Checking water pressure.
- Testing the sump pump.
- Looking for slow drains that could become clogs.
Scope varies by contractor. Ask what's included before you book.
Winterizing your plumbing
Roanoke winters bring hard freezes, and frozen pipes can split. Protecting exposed pipes and outdoor faucets before the first freeze prevents most problems.
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain outdoor faucets (sillcocks) if they have an indoor shutoff.
- Insulate pipes in crawlspaces, garages and exterior walls.
- In a deep cold snap, let a faucet on an exterior wall drip and open the sink cabinet doors.
- For vacant homes or vacation properties, ask a plumber about draining the system.
Maintenance you can do yourself
- Know where your main water shutoff is, and make sure it turns.
- Use drain screens and keep grease out of kitchen sinks.
- Check under sinks every few months for drips.
Common questions
How often should I have my plumbing inspected?
Many homeowners book a check once a year, often in the fall before freezing weather. Older homes may benefit from more frequent checks.
How often should a water heater be flushed?
Many manufacturers suggest flushing yearly to remove sediment. Check your heater's manual.