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Preventing Plumbing Problems: Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

Home | Blog | Published on July 14th, 2025

Your home’s plumbing system is one of its most vital components, quietly working behind the scenes to deliver clean water and remove waste safely. However, plumbing problems can strike unexpectedly, leading to costly repairs, water damage, and significant stress. 

The good news? Many common plumbing issues can be prevented with basic maintenance and a proactive approach. By following practical plumbing tips and partnering with trusted experts like our technicians and joining our Peace of Mind maintenance plan, homeowners can save time, money, and headaches.

Simple Tips to Prevent Plumbing Problems

1. Regularly Inspect and Maintain Faucets and Fixtures

Leaks often start small—an occasional drip here, a slow leak there—but can quickly escalate into bigger problems if left unaddressed. Check faucets, showerheads, and toilets regularly for drips or leaks. Tighten fittings or replace washers as needed. Early detection saves water and prevents damage to cabinets, floors, and walls.

2. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

Pouring harsh chemical drain cleaners down your pipes may seem like a quick fix for clogs, but they can actually damage your plumbing system over time. Instead, use safer methods such as a plunger or a drain snake. If clogs persist, call a professional plumber to handle the issue safely and effectively.

3. Prevent Clogs with Proper Disposal Habits

Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet, and never pour grease, coffee grounds, or food scraps down the kitchen sink. These substances easily accumulate and cause blockages in your pipes. Consider using sink strainers to catch debris before it enters your drains.

4. Monitor Water Pressure

Excessively high water pressure strains your plumbing fixtures and pipes, increasing the risk of leaks or bursts. A water pressure gauge is an inexpensive tool you can use to check your home’s pressure; it should generally be between 40 and 60 psi. If pressure is too high, one of our professional plumbers can install a pressure regulator.

5. Insulate Pipes in Cold Weather

Frozen pipes can burst and cause severe water damage. Insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces, especially during winter months. Opening cabinet doors under sinks can also help warm air circulate around plumbing fixtures.

6. Schedule Routine Plumbing Maintenance

Just like your HVAC system or your car, plumbing benefits from regular professional checkups. Routine inspections catch small issues before they become emergencies and ensure your system operates efficiently.

Barrs Plumbing’s Peace of Mind Maintenance Plan

At Barrs Plumbing, we understand how disruptive plumbing problems can be. That’s why we offer the Peace of Mind maintenance plan: a comprehensive program designed to keep your plumbing system in excellent shape year-round. With scheduled inspections, priority service, and exclusive discounts, our plan helps you avoid costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns.

Members receive expert attention from our licensed technicians who carefully inspect your plumbing system, identify potential weak spots, and provide proactive solutions. This preventive approach saves you time, stress, and money while extending the life of your plumbing.

Contact Barrs Plumbing today for your plumbing services and learn how we can help improve your water quality, protect your plumbing, and bring comfort back to every drop of water in your home.

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