How Often Should I Schedule Plumbing Maintenance in Central Oregon?

How Often to Schedule Plumbing Maintenance in Central Oregon

Living in the High Desert has its perks, like beautiful mountain views and lots of outdoor activities. The unique climate here also creates challenges for your home’s many systems. At Firkus Plumbing, we want to help Central Oregon homeowners understand their plumbing maintenance schedules. It can be tempting to wait until something breaks, but our cold winters and dry summers mean it’s better to stay ahead of problems. Waiting until there’s an emergency often leads to stressful calls and costly repairs that could have been prevented.

Why Central Oregon Needs More Frequent Maintenance?

If you live in Bend, Redmond or anywhere nearby, you know our weather can be unpredictable. One week it’s freezing, the next it’s thawing out. All that expanding and contracting puts extra stress on your pipes, making them more likely to leak or break over time. On top of that, our hard water means minerals build up faster in your water heater and fixtures, forcing them to work harder and wear out sooner than you’d expect.

Benefits of Regular Plumbing Maintenance Services

Regular plumbing checks do more than just stop big leaks or burst pipes in winter. They help your whole system run better, which can lower your utility bills each month. When your water heater is clean, and your faucets aren’t leaking, you save money. Another big benefit is that your appliances and fixtures last longer. Replacing a water heater or repiping your home is expensive, so it’s best to put it off as long as you can. Taking care of your plumbing helps you get the most out of what you already have.

How Often Should You Inspect Your Plumbing System?

Most homes in Central Oregon should have a full plumbing inspection once a year. Still, it’s often better to check certain things each season because of our changing weather. You need to think about your pipes differently in October than in July. Here’s how often you should schedule plumbing maintenance throughout the year:

• Fall Plumbing Maintenance: This is the most critical time for preventative care. Before the first hard freeze hits, you need to disconnect garden hoses, insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces or garages, and ensure your heating system is ready to protect your plumbing.

• Winter Plumbing Maintenance: During the coldest months, your focus shifts to monitoring. Check your water pressure and keep cabinet doors open during deep freezes to allow warm air to circulate around pipes on exterior walls.

• Spring Plumbing Maintenance: As the snow melts, inspect your property for any cracks or leaks that may have developed over winter. This is also the ideal time to test your sump pump if you have one, as spring runoff can overwhelm drainage systems.

• Summer Plumbing Maintenance: With heavy irrigation use, summer is the time to check for leaks in your sprinkler systems and ensure your main water line isn’t suffering from tree root intrusion, which is more active during the growing season.

  
  

What Are the Signs of a Plumbing Problem?

You don’t always need a professional to spot plumbing problems. Your home usually gives you small signs before a pipe bursts or a sewer line backs up. Noticing these early can save you a lot of money on repairs. Watch for changes in water pressure, which can mean there’s a clog or leak in the main line. If your water bill suddenly goes up, water might be leaking somewhere. Gurgling sounds from drains or toilets, slow draining, and bad smells are also signs your system needs attention.

FAQs About Plumbing Maintenance

Many homeowners aren’t sure which plumbing tasks they can do themselves and when it’s best to call a professional at Firkus Plumbing. Here are some common questions we hear about plumbing maintenance and keeping your home safe.

What is plumbing maintenance actually supposed to include?

A standard maintenance visit typically involves checking water pressure, testing shut-off valves, inspecting the water heater (including the anode rod), checking drains for flow speed, and looking for signs of leaks in visible pipes and crawl spaces.

Do I really need to flush my water heater every year?

Yes, absolutely. In areas with mineral-heavy water, sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank quickly. This creates a barrier between the burner and the water, causing the unit to overheat and eventually fail prematurely.

Can I skip winterization if I have a newer home?

Even new construction isn’t immune to physics. While PEX piping is more flexible than copper, water expanding as it freezes can still break fittings and valves. Frost-free hose bibs are great, but they can still freeze if hoses are left attached.

Is chemical drain cleaner safe for regular maintenance?

We generally advise against the use of harsh chemical cleaners. They can corrode older metal pipes and damage the glue in PVC joints over time. Hydro-jetting or professional snaking is a much safer and more effective way to clear buildup.

Contact Us Now to Schedule Plumbing Maintenance

Taking care of your home means fixing problems before they start. Firkus Plumbing has helped families in this area since 1971, so we understand what Central Oregon winters can do to a house. We handle every job with care and expertise because we live here too. If you want to set up regular maintenance or just need a one-time check, we’re ready to help. Fill out our online contact form to talk with our team.