BDP Plumbing Heating Maintenance Tips

Plumbing Systems and Garbage Disposal

Regular inspections of plumbing and heating systems can help identify potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs. Proactive homeowner checks and scheduled professional service can keep utility bills low, extend equipment life, and prevent costly breakdowns. An ounce of prevention will go a long way toward keeping your home’s plumbing in top working order, and you’ll avoid expensive mistakes!

For example, you should periodically close and open the main water supply shutoff to ensure it’s not stuck in the open position—this quick check can provide protection against emergencies, especially when you know how to safely turn off water to the house. If you notice any unusual sounds or pressure changes, these may signal underlying problems that need attention. For tips on reducing vibrating noise in your pipes, contact us with your questions.

September is an ideal time to perform seasonal plumbing checks and maintenance tasks, as early fall is perfect for preparing your home for colder weather, and you can also benefit from expert plumbing maintenance tips for homeowners. Insulating exposed pipes in unheated areas can prevent freezing and bursting during cold weather.



Faucets and Sinks

• Even small drips can waste thousands of gallons of water, as much as 150 gallons a day. Be sure to check under sinks for moisture or small leaks, and always repair leaky faucets right away to avoid paying for wasted water and to prevent water damage to your fixtures and pipes.
• Remove and clean your faucet aerators annually to ensure an even flow of water.
• Make sure overflow holes on tubs and vanities are clear to prevent water damage to floors and ceilings.
• Periodically check sink, tub, and toilet shutoff valves and replace when necessary.
• Your two-handle faucets can usually be replaced with a single-handle faucet. Contact us if you have questions.
• Check the emergency shutoff under your sinks to make sure they’re fully open. Also check rubber washers and seals for deterioration. These conditions can cause loss of water pressure. If you notice a drop in water pressure, you can increase it by adjusting valves or checking system components to ensure optimal flow. Contact us if you have any questions.

Water Heaters

When considering upgrades, many homeowners compare electric vs. gas tankless water heaters to decide which option best fits their household size and energy costs.

• Before doing any maintenance on your water heater, be sure to shut off the power, and read your owner’s manual.
• Annual flushing of water heaters is recommended to remove sediment and mineral buildup for better efficiency.
• Periodically inspect your water heater burner. The flame under the heater should appear blue with yellow tip. If it’s mostly yellow or sooty under there, your flue may be clogged, which is a dangerous situation. Contact a professional to check it out.
• At least once every two years, have your water heater inspected by a service technician. They will also check the drain valve for signs of leakage, and the anode rods for corrosion.

Toilets

• Toilet leaks can be wasteful and expensive. At least once a year, check your toilet for leaks by adding a small amount of red food coloring to the tank, then check the toilet bowl later. If the toilet bowl water is colored red, water is seeping through from the tank. If it is leaking, you should replace the tank ball.
• Also, check that your supply line and shutoff valve are not leaking.

Clogs

• Using drain screens in sinks and showers can help prevent clogs by catching hair and debris.
• To help prevent clogs, fit all your tubs and shower drains with a strainer that catches hair and soap chips, and clean it regularly.
• Do not rinse fats or cooking oils down the kitchen sink. Liquid fats solidify in the cool pipes and create clogs.
• Avoid using caustic liquid drain openers (like Drano or Liquid Plumber) on a drain that is completely clogged. The caustic ingredients are trapped in your pipes, and it can cause severe damage. If you can’t snake the drain yourself, contact a professional to do so.

Garbage Disposals

If your garbage disposal stops working, before calling a professional, be sure to try the reset switch located in the bottom of most disposals. Extend the life of your garbage disposal by:

• Using plenty of cold water when running it
• Making sure you avoid overloading it
• Never disposing of things like bones or corn husks
• Never using a caustic drain opener
• Using tongs instead of your hands to remove items dropped inside

If you encounter urgent problems like burst pipes, severe leaks, or clogged drains, our emergency plumbing services are available 24/7 with priority scheduling to ensure quick response. Quality plumbing services provide essential protection against water damage and contamination, keeping your home and family safe. Quick action and regular checks can help prevent costly repairs and ensure your system’s ongoing protection.

Now that we've covered essential plumbing maintenance, let's look at how to keep your heating systems running efficiently.

Heating Systems and Water Heater

Keeping your heating systems in good working order means your utility bills will be lower, your home will be more comfortable, and you’ll need to call for repairs less.

Annual Inspections and Maintenance Tasks

• Heating systems should be inspected at least once a year to ensure safe and efficient operation, which can improve efficiency and extend the lifespan of your equipment.
• Regular maintenance for heating systems includes cleaning burners, inspecting heat exchangers for cracks, and performing carbon monoxide safety checks.
• Heating system services often involve the installation, repair, and maintenance of furnaces and boilers to ensure efficient operation and safety.

Filter Replacement

• Replace or clean filters as recommended by your technician to maintain air quality and system performance.

System Checks and Cleaning

• If you have a forced air heating system, check your furnace's blower compartment and blower coils. Vacuum them if you see dirt and dust.
• Check fan belt tension, and lubricate fan and motor bearings.
• If you have a steam system, check the shut-off valve for leaks.
• Bleed hot water system radiators at least once a year.
• Don't keep clutter near your furnace. It's a fire hazard, and may keep your system from operating efficiently.
• To make sure you're getting the most out of your heating system, keep the heating registers and vents throughout the house free of dust and pet hair by vacuuming them at least once a year.

Safety Tips for Heating Systems

• Listen for odd sounds when your heating or cooling system kicks in. If you hear anything unusual, get in touch with your service professional so you can head off problems before it is serious.
• In winter months, set your ceiling fan at its slowest speed and reverse it in order to gently push warm air down from the ceiling.

With your heating system properly maintained, you can enjoy a comfortable and energy-efficient home throughout the colder months. Next, let’s explore preventative measures to keep both your plumbing and heating systems in top shape.

Preventative Measures

Taking preventative measures is crucial to keeping your plumbing and heating systems running smoothly and avoiding unexpected breakdowns. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your equipment but also helps identify issues like corrosion, leaks, or blockages before they escalate.

Annual Inspections

• At BDP Plumbing & Heating, we recommend scheduling annual inspections to check for early signs of wear and tear.
• Proactive homeowner checks and scheduled professional service can keep utility bills low, extend equipment life, and prevent costly breakdowns.

Water Heater Care

• Our technicians provide practical tips for caring for your water heaters, such as annual flushing to remove sediment and mineral buildup for better efficiency, along with guidance on how to clean a showerhead with vinegar to maintain strong water flow throughout your home.

Drain Cleaning

In addition to preventing clogs in your fixtures, it’s important to watch for signs your septic tank is full, since neglected septic issues can lead to slow drains and costly repairs.

• We offer advice on drain cleaning to prevent clogs, including the use of drain screens in sinks and showers to catch hair and debris.

Sump Pump Readiness

For homes with basements, proper sump pump care is essential, and expert sump pump maintenance tips can help you avoid flooding and water damage.

• Ensure your sump pump is ready to protect your basement from flooding by testing it regularly and keeping it free of debris.



By staying proactive, you can prevent costly repairs, maintain efficient water flow, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your systems are well cared for.

Now that you know how to prevent issues before they start, let’s discuss what to do when emergencies arise and when it’s time to contact BDP Plumbing and Heating for professional help.