What Every Homeowner Should Know About Plumbing Maintenance

Regular upkeep on your pipes, drains, and water heater keeps small issues from growing into bigger problems down the road. A little attention now saves time, money, and stress later. As a plumber in Madison, MS, we at Skeen Plumbing have spent decades providing plumbing services to homeowners across the Jackson area, and this guide shares what we’ve learned along the way.

Keep Drains Clear Without Harsh Chemicals

Slow drains rarely happen overnight. Grease, soap residue, hair, and mineral buildup collect gradually until water backs up. Common culprits include:

• Grease and cooking oil poured down the kitchen sink
• Hair and soap scum in bathroom drains
• Mineral deposits from hard water
• Tree roots growing into underground lines

A simple drain strainer placed over sink and shower drains catches hair, food scraps, and debris before they ever reach your pipes, making a noticeable difference in how often clogs form. Scheduling periodic drain cleaning with a professional plumbing company keeps water moving through your pipes the way it should, catching buildup before it becomes a full blockage.

Water Heater Care Extends Its Lifespan

Sediment naturally settles at the bottom of a water heater tank over time, forcing the unit to work harder and use more energy. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which balances safety with lower energy use. Scheduling plumbing services for a yearly tank flush clears accumulated sediment and supports steady performance for years to come.

Inside most tank water heaters sits an anode rod, a metal core designed to corrode in place of the tank itself. As it wears down over the years, it loses its ability to protect the tank from rust, so having it checked every few years helps the tank last much longer.

Tankless water heaters skip the storage tank, but they still need attention. Mineral deposits can coat the internal heat exchanger over time, especially in areas with hard water, and this buildup can slow hot water flow and shorten the unit’s working life. Regular descaling keeps a tankless system running the way it was designed to.

Pipe Inspections Catch Problems Early

Pipes hidden behind walls or under floors don’t always show damage right away. Watch for these warning signs:

• Sudden drops in water pressure
• Discolored or rusty water
• Damp spots on walls, ceilings, or floors
• A noticeable rise in your water bill

Booking a routine visit from a licensed plumbing company twice a year gives a trained eye the chance to spot weak joints, corrosion, or slow leaks while they’re still easy to manage.

Homeowner Questions We Hear Often

How often should my home plumbing be inspected?

Most homes benefit from a full inspection once or twice a year, especially before extreme summer or winter weather.

What temperature should my water heater be set to?

120 degrees Fahrenheit is the standard recommendation from the Department of Energy for safety and efficiency.

Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners often?

Frequent use can wear down older pipes over time, so it’s best kept as an occasional fix rather than a routine habit.

What signs mean I should call a plumber?

Low water pressure, gurgling drains, discolored water, or a spike in your water bill are all good reasons to have a professional take a look.

Count on a Name Jackson Has Trusted Since 1983

Skeen Plumbing has served the Jackson Metro area since 1983 as a local, family-owned company you can count on. Our licensed plumbers and certified technicians back every job with warrantied service and a satisfaction guarantee, and we’re available around the clock with 24/7 emergency service for homes, commercial properties, and industrial sites alike. Give us a call or request an appointment online, and let’s keep your plumbing running the way it should for years to come.