Be honest… You probably only call a plumber when something’s already gone sideways. A pipe bursts, the drain clogs, the toilet overflows, and suddenly it’s panic mode. You’re standing in a puddle, Googling “emergency plumbing” and hoping someone answers after hours.
But here’s the thing, most homeowners don’t realize: the best plumbing work isn’t done during an emergency. It’s the quiet, preventive stuff: the inspections, the small fixes, the once-a-year checkups that save you from those 10 p.m. “oh no” moments.
So what plumbing services should you be scheduling every year before anything breaks? Let’s walk through the essentials that keep your system working smoothly and your peace of mind intact.
1. Annual Plumbing Inspection
Most homeowners don’t call for this one until something’s already dripping, and by then, the “inspection” usually comes with a repair bill. The truth is, a yearly plumbing inspection is the easiest way to stay out of trouble.
A good plumber can spot the things you can’t: slow leaks hiding in the walls, pipes starting to rust, pressure that’s just a little too high. It’s like a check-up for your home that can catch the small stuff before it turns into a flood, a clog, or that mystery puddle you find on a Saturday morning.
Skip it, and you’re basically waiting to find out what’s going to break next.
2. Water Heater Maintenance
Your water heater is the hardest-working appliance in your house, and easily the most underappreciated. It keeps doing its job quietly, day after day, until one morning it doesn’t. That’s when you find out how fast “no hot water” can ruin a good mood.
Flushing the tank once a year clears out all the gunk that builds up over time. It heats faster, lasts longer, and doesn’t make those strange popping noises that sound like it’s trying to communicate with you.
If the water’s running lukewarm or the heater’s started rumbling like a washing machine, that’s not “normal.” That’s your water heater asking for help before it quits completely. A quick service call now is a lot cheaper than an emergency plumbing visit later, and way less shocking first thing in the morning.
3. Drain Cleaning and Slow Flow Prevention
Clogs don’t happen overnight. They’re slow, sneaky, and patient like that one relative who overstays their welcome. Bit by bit, grease, soap scum, and hair build up until one day the water just stops moving, and you’re standing over the sink wondering why it hates you.
That’s why a professional drain cleaning once a year matters more than people think. It clears out all the grease, soap, and gunk that’s been collecting out of sight. You might not see the difference right away, but you’ll feel it with water draining faster, smells disappearing, and you’re not left wondering what that bubbling sound in the sink means.
Skip it, and the only thing moving slower than your drains will be your morning routine.
4. Sump Pump and Backup Checks
If your home has a sump pump, you already know it’s the unsung hero of your basement, until the day it decides to take a break during a storm. When that happens, you’re not just dealing with water; you’re dealing with a cleanup bill that hurts to even think about.
A yearly checkup is all it takes to keep that from happening. A plumber can test the pump, make sure the float switch actually floats, and confirm the discharge line isn’t clogged with who-knows-what. It’s quick, simple, and the easiest way to keep your basement dry when the weather isn’t.
Because when it comes to sump pumps, “I think it’s fine” has a funny way of turning into “I wish I’d checked.”
5. Fixture and Valve Maintenance
You know that faucet that drips only when you’re trying to fall asleep? Or that handle you have to twist three times just to get it to stop running? Those little things don’t seem like much, but they waste water, drive up bills, and slowly wear out your plumbing.
Getting your fixtures and valves checked once a year keeps them working the way they should. No drips, no sticking handles, no surprises. It’s a small visit that saves you from the big, expensive calls later.
Ignore it long enough, and that “tiny leak” becomes the reason you’re calling for emergency plumbing at 2 a.m.
6. Water Quality Testing
If your water leaves spots on your dishes or smells a little off, it’s not just your imagination – something’s in it that shouldn’t be. Most of the time, it’s extra minerals like iron or calcium, and while they might seem harmless, they slowly chew through your plumbing from the inside out.
That buildup doesn’t just make your faucets look bad. It coats the inside of your water heater and shortens its life. Before long, you’re paying for repairs that could’ve been avoided.
Having your water tested once a year is a simple way to stay ahead of it. Your plumber can tell you exactly what’s going on and set you up with a filter or softener that keeps things clean, clear, and easy on your system.
When your water’s good, everything else just works better – your fixtures, your appliances, even your morning coffee.
Keep Your Plumbing a Step Ahead
Plumbing problems never kick the door in right away. They start small – a drip, a rattle, a slow drain you promise to “get to later.” Then one day, it’s not small anymore, and you’re wondering why it always happens on a Sunday.
At Cornwell Plumbing, we know the best calls are the ones made before there’s water on the floor. Our team helps you stay ahead with routine inspections, honest advice, and the kind of plumbing services that keep everything working the way it should.
If it’s been a while since your last check-up, don’t wait for the next surprise. Call Cornwell Plumbing today and keep your system one step ahead of trouble.
Andrew and Austin Cornwell stepped into leadership, bringing with them not just their plumbing licenses and two decades of experience each, but a vision for even better customer service.
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