The Maynard Man Shares Plumbing Care Tips

Watch What Goes Down the Drain

• One of the simplest ways to take care of your plumbing is by being mindful of what you let into it. In the kitchen, avoid pouring grease, oil, or food scraps down the sink—even if you have a garbage disposal. These materials can build up inside your pipes and cause major blockages over time. In the bathroom, hair, soap scum, and hygiene products are the usual culprits. Use drain screens to catch hair and clean them regularly. And when it comes to toilets, remember: only flush toilet paper. Wipes, paper towels, and floss might seem harmless, but they can clog your pipes and damage your plumbing system.
• Keep an Eye Out for Leaks
• Even small leaks can lead to big problems if they go unnoticed. A drip under the sink, a damp cabinet, or a slightly higher water bill might not seem urgent—but they often point to an issue that’s just beginning. Catching leaks early helps you avoid water damage, mold growth, and costly repairs down the line. Make it a habit to check under sinks, behind toilets, and around your water heater regularly. Look for signs like water stains, peeling paint, musty odors, or warped flooring. If something doesn’t look or smell right, don’t wait—small leaks are easiest to fix before they turn into floods.
• Maintain Your Water Heater
• Your water heater works hard year-round, and a little maintenance can go a long way in keeping it efficient and reliable. Over time, sediment builds up inside the tank, which can reduce heating performance and shorten the unit’s lifespan. Flushing the tank once a year helps clear out that buildup and keeps everything running smoothly. Also, check the thermostat setting—it should be around 120°F to provide plenty of hot water without wasting energy or risking scalding. If your water heater is located in a cold space like a garage or basement, insulating the tank and pipes can improve efficiency even more. Regular care means fewer surprises—and longer-lasting hot water.
• Protect Pipes in Cold Weather
• Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your plumbing if you’re not prepared. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands—putting pressure on the pipe walls and often causing them to crack or burst. The best way to prevent frozen pipes is with a few proactive steps before the cold sets in. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, garages, and crawlspaces. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, and shut off water to exterior spigots if possible. On especially cold nights, let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving. These simple habits can save you from a major headache—and an emergency repair bill.
• Schedule Regular Plumbing Inspections
• Even with good habits, there are some plumbing problems only a trained eye can catch. That’s why an annual plumbing inspection is one of the smartest things a homeowner can do. A professional can check your water pressure, inspect hidden pipes, test your shut-off valves, and look for signs of corrosion or buildup before they become serious issues. Routine maintenance helps ensure your system is running efficiently, safely, and without surprises. Think of it like a wellness check for your home’s plumbing—one that could save you from a costly emergency down the road. The Maynard Man recommends making it part of your yearly home care routine.
• Wrap-Up: Stay Ahead of Plumbing Problems with Help from Maynard
• Plumbing issues don’t have to catch you off guard—especially when a little care can go a long way. From watching what you flush to protecting pipes from the cold, these simple tips can help you avoid clogs, leaks, and unexpected repairs. Staying proactive means saving money, conserving water, and keeping your home running smoothly. And when something does go wrong, the Maynard Man is just a call away. Contact Maynard Plumbing, Heating, Cooling to schedule a plumbing inspection or get expert help the moment you need it.