Home plumbing maintenance
Regular plumbing maintenance prevents costly water damage, high utility bills, and emergency repairs. A few simple checks go a long way.
Routine maintenance
Essential tasks for every home
Most of these take just a few minutes. If you find a problem — or would rather we take care of it — give us a call.
Weekly
Check for leaks
Look at the pipes under sinks, around your water heater, and near appliances like the washer and dishwasher. To find hidden leaks, try the water meter test: turn off all water in the house and see if the meter keeps moving. You can also put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank — if color shows up in the bowl within 15 minutes without flushing, the flapper is leaking.
Every six months
Flush your water heater
Draining and flushing a tank-style water heater clears out the sediment that settles on the bottom. That helps it heat more efficiently and last longer — especially with hard water.
Check once or twice a year
Watch your water pressure
Household water pressure should stay between 40 and 60 psi. Pressure over 80 psi puts strain on pipes, fittings, and appliances. A simple hose-bib gauge from the hardware store will tell you where you stand.
Every few months
Clean faucets and showerheads
If a faucet sputters or a showerhead sprays unevenly, mineral scale is usually the cause. Unscrew the aerator or showerhead and soak it in white vinegar to dissolve the buildup.
Monthly
Protect your drains
Only flush human waste and toilet paper — wipes, even "flushable" ones, cause clogs. Keep grease out of the kitchen sink. Once a month, use baking soda and vinegar or a gentle enzyme cleaner instead of harsh chemical drain openers, which can damage pipes.
Before the first freeze
Winterize outdoor lines
Disconnect and drain garden hoses, and insulate any exposed pipes or pipes in unheated spaces like garages and crawl spaces. Nebraska winters are hard on plumbing — a frozen pipe can burst and flood a home.
Once — then remind everyone
Know your main shut-off valve
Make sure everyone in your home knows where the main water shut-off valve is and how to turn it off. In an emergency, shutting off the water quickly can save thousands in damage.
When to call a plumber
Signs it's time to call JT&K
Your water meter moves with everything off
That usually means a hidden leak somewhere in the system.
Slow or gurgling drains
Several slow drains at once can point to a main sewer line problem.
Rusty water or a leaking tank
Your water heater may need repair or replacement.
Pressure over 80 psi
High pressure can damage pipes and fixtures over time.
Frozen pipes
Don't use a torch. Call us — we thaw and repair frozen water pipes.
Sewer gas smell
Our smoke testing finds the source of odors no one else can.
More resources
Helpful maintenance guides
For more step-by-step preventative tips, see these guides:
Found a problem? We can help.
Call 402-466-5300, text 402-601-4490, or email services@jtkservicesinc.com. Ask about our senior citizen, veteran, active military, and first responder discounts.
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