Plumbing Maintenance Guide for NJ Homeowners

Plumbing emergencies are among the most expensive home repairs — a burst pipe can cause $5,000-$70,000 in water damage. The good news? Most plumbing disasters are preventable with basic maintenance.

Know Your Shut-Off Valves

Before anything else, every member of your household should know where these are:

Main water shut-off valve: Usually in the basement near the front of the house or near the water meter. In an emergency, this stops all water to your home.

Individual fixture shut-offs: Found under sinks, behind toilets, and near appliances. Use these for localized repairs without cutting water to the whole house.

Test them annually. Turn each valve off and on to make sure they work. Valves that sit unused for years can seize up when you need them most.

Water Heater Maintenance

Your water heater is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home.

Annual Flushing

Sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank, reducing efficiency and shortening lifespan.

How to flush:

Turn off the gas or electricity to the heater
Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom
Run the hose to a drain or outside
Open the drain valve and let water flow until it runs clear
Close the valve, remove the hose, and restore power

Pro tip: NJ has moderately hard water in many areas. If you notice white scale buildup on faucets, your water heater is collecting sediment faster — flush every 6 months.

Check the Pressure Relief Valve

This safety valve prevents your water heater from exploding (yes, really). Test it annually by lifting the lever — water should flow freely and stop when released. If it drips continuously or doesn't release water at all, replace it immediately.

Temperature Setting

Set your water heater to 120°F. This prevents scalding, reduces energy costs, and slows mineral buildup. Many units ship set to 140°F.

Water Heater Lifespan

Tank water heaters: 8-12 years
Tankless water heaters: 15-20 years

If yours is approaching these ages, start planning for replacement before it fails.

Drain Maintenance

Monthly Prevention

Baking soda and vinegar treatment:

Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down each drain
Follow with 1 cup white vinegar
Let fizz for 30 minutes
Flush with boiling water

This breaks down soap scum, grease, and minor buildup before it becomes a clog.

Use Drain Screens

Install mesh screens or silicone catchers over all drains. They cost $3-5 each and prevent the #1 cause of clogs: hair and food debris.

What NOT to Put Down Drains

❌ Grease and cooking oil — they solidify in pipes ❌ Coffee grounds — they clump and stick ❌ "Flushable" wipes — they're not actually flushable ❌ Pasta, rice, or flour — they expand and create paste ❌ Chemical drain cleaners — they corrode pipes over time

When You Have a Clog

Try first: A plunger (use a flange plunger for toilets, a cup plunger for sinks)

Try second: A drain snake or auger ($20-30 at hardware stores)

Call a pro: If plunging and snaking don't work, or if multiple drains are slow (indicates a main line issue)

Pipe Care for NJ Winters

Frozen pipes are a serious risk in New Jersey, especially during cold snaps in January and February.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Priority areas:

Basement and crawl space pipes
Pipes in exterior walls
Garage pipes
Outdoor hose bibs

Materials: Foam pipe insulation ($0.50-2.00 per foot) is the easiest DIY option. For extreme cold areas, use heat tape with a thermostat.

During Freezing Weather

Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let warm air reach pipes
Let faucets drip during extreme cold (below 20°F) — moving water is harder to freeze
Keep heat on at minimum 55°F, even if you're away
Disconnect outdoor hoses before the first freeze and shut off outdoor faucet supply lines

If Pipes Freeze

Keep the faucet open so melting water can flow
Apply gentle heat with a hair dryer, heat lamp, or heating pad
Never use a torch or open flame
Work from the faucet toward the frozen section
Call a plumber if you can't locate or thaw the frozen section

If a Pipe Bursts

Shut off the main water valve immediately
Open faucets to drain remaining water
Turn off electricity if water is near electrical outlets
Call a plumber
Document damage for insurance

Leak Detection

Monthly Meter Check

Turn off all water-using appliances and fixtures
Read your water meter
Wait 2 hours without using any water
Read the meter again
If it changed, you have a leak

Visual Inspections

Check monthly for:

Under sinks: Water stains, drips, or musty smells
Toilet base: Water pooling or discoloration
Water heater: Rust or pooling water underneath
Washing machine: Hose connections and floor around unit
Ceilings and walls: Water stains, bubbling paint, or soft spots

Water Bill Monitoring

A sudden spike in your water bill often indicates a hidden leak. Compare month-to-month and investigate any unexplained increases.

Sump Pump Maintenance

Many NJ basements rely on sump pumps to stay dry.

Quarterly Testing

Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit
The pump should turn on, remove the water, and shut off
If it doesn't activate, check the power and float switch

Annual Maintenance

Clean the pit of debris
Check the discharge pipe for blockages
Test the check valve
Consider a battery backup if you don't have one — power outages during storms are when you need your sump pump most

Garbage Disposal Care

Do's

Run cold water before, during, and after use
Feed waste gradually (don't overload)
Grind ice cubes occasionally to clean the blades
Use citrus peels for freshness

Don'ts

No fibrous foods (celery, corn husks, artichokes)
No grease or oil
No pasta, rice, or expandable foods
No bones or hard items
Never put your hand inside (use tongs)

Plumbing Maintenance Schedule

Monthly:

Drain treatment (baking soda/vinegar)
Check under sinks for leaks
Clean drain screens

Quarterly:

Test sump pump
Inspect visible pipes for corrosion or drips
Check toilet for running water

Annually:

Flush water heater
Test pressure relief valve
Test all shut-off valves
Insulate pipes before winter
Professional inspection (recommended)

Every 5 Years:

Replace washing machine hoses
Have sewer line inspected (camera inspection)

When to Call a Plumber

Multiple slow drains (main line issue)
Sewage smells inside the home
No hot water or inconsistent temperature
Low water pressure throughout the house
Visible pipe corrosion or green stains on copper
Water heater leaking from the tank itself
Any gas line concerns (call gas company first, then plumber)

Need plumbing repair or bathroom renovation in NJ? La Vaca General Contractors handles everything from fixture installation to complete plumbing renovations. Serving Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Passaic counties. Call (973) 842-8399 for a free estimate.

Licensed & insured NJ contractors since 2020. Quality plumbing work you can trust.