How Often Should I Schedule Plumbing Maintenance for a Home in Central Oregon’s Climate?

From freezing mornings to irrigation needs, Central Oregon experiences a unique array of plumbing challenges that can strain residential systems. Additionally, the area’s older homes often have corroded pipes, failing sewer lines, leaks, and other problems. For local homeowners, the right plumbing maintenance in Redmond and Bend plays a pivotal role in preventing expensive repair and replacement costs.

To learn more about the right maintenance frequency and top plumbing tips, read on.

Why Central Oregon’s Climate & Home Types Matter for Plumbing Maintenance

We live in a high desert climate. Our cold winters increase the risk of frozen and burst pipes. Meanwhile, the region’s mineral deposits can cause buildup in pipes, water heaters, and other plumbing devices.

From older houses with original plumbing to properties with irrigation systems, local homeowners have specific plumbing needs. Our area’s unique conditions mean that maintenance must occur more frequently than it does in milder climates. Because of these conditions, arranging for a plumbing maintenance service in Central Oregon helps homeowners avoid costly repairs.

Recommended Maintenance Frequency for Homes in Central Oregon

When it comes to Bend and Redmond plumbing maintenance, we recommend getting an inspection performed twice per year. From preventing freezing pipes in the fall to blowing out irrigation pipes after summer ends, there are key tasks that need to be performed at specific points throughout the year to prevent future plumbing problems.

What Should Be Included in Each Maintenance Check

To help you keep your system working its best, we’ve compiled a homeowner’s plumbing checklist for the High Desert in Oregon.

Spring

During the spring, check your outdoor hose bibs to make sure they’ve survived the winter undamaged. You should also check your exposed pipes, irrigation systems, and outdoor plumbing components for freeze damage.

Summer

In summertime, check for irrigation leaks and problems with your outdoor fixtures. Also, pay attention to any signs of sewer line issues, such as foul odors or lush spots in your yard.

Fall

As fall rolls around, you should check to make sure your exposed pipes are insulated. Flush your water heater. Then, drain and disconnect your outdoor hoses. Before any flooding can potentially occur, you should make sure your sump pump is in working order.

Winter

In the winter, pipe insulation and heat will help prevent your pipes from freezing. Just in case there is an issue, you should ensure that the shut-off valve is accessible and everyone knows where it is.

Twice-Yearly Professional Inspections

When our team performs plumbing maintenance in Bend, we’ll test your water pressure and inspect your sewer line. Our experienced plumbers will thoroughly inspect your irrigation system and outdoor plumbing. As needed, we can flush your water heater as well. To prevent future problems, we’ll check your plumbing system for indications of corrosion or leaks.

How To Know If You Should Increase Your Maintenance Frequency

If you are uncertain about the right plumbing inspection frequency in Oregon, we can help. We recommend scheduling maintenance three to four times a year if the following circumstances exist.

• Homes that are 50+ years old
• Water pressure fluctuations
• Previous issues with burst or leaky pipes
• Visible corrosion
• Heavy irrigation usage
• Hard water

Costs, Benefits & Risks of Scheduled Maintenance vs. Reactive Repairs

Proper maintenance is always cheaper than emergency repairs. A sewer line replacement costs between $1,388 and $5,323. If a pipe bursts, the bill can add up to between $200 and $3,000. In comparison, an annual maintenance appointment is a complimentary part of our membership plan.

Maintenance visits aren’t just a cheaper alternative to costly repairs. Proper maintenance can help you lower utility bills, prevent leaks, and increase your plumbing lifespan. Plus, it can prevent burst pipes, structural damage, mold growth, insurance problems, and emergency malfunctions.

How To Choose a Local Plumber: What To Ask

To find the best plumber, remember to ask the following questions.

• Are you licensed?
• Do you have experience with cold-weather plumbing?
• Can you provide references in Central Oregon?
• Do you inspect freeze-susceptible pipes?
• What is included in your maintenance visit?
• Do you serve the Cascades?

Homeowner Checklist & Recommended Timeline for Central Oregon

The right plumbing maintenance in Bend can improve your performance and increase the longevity of your system. We recommend using the following homeowner checklist to keep your plumbing system functioning at its best. Remember to log each maintenance task you do so that you can easily track what has been completed.

• January and February: Check insulation. Let faucets drip in cold temperatures.
• March: Inspect outdoor faucets.
• April: Clean your gutters.
• May: Conduct an irrigation start-up check.
• June: Monitor your water consumption for signs of a leak.
• July: Check your washing machine hose for signs of wear.
• August: Clean clogs out of your sprinkler system.
• September: Flush your water heater. Verify that your sump pump works.
• October: Disconnect and store hoses. Cover outdoor fixtures.
• November: Disconnect your hoses and winterize.
• December: Check insulation. Make sure your main shut-off valve works.

FAQs

Over the years, we’ve found that Bend and Redmond homeowners often ask the following questions.

How often should I flush my water heater in Central Oregon?

In most places, water heaters should be flushed once per year. Because of the hard water in Central Oregon, it’s a good idea to flush your water heater every six months. By doing this, you can prevent sediment from building up and causing additional damage.

Do I need to winterize my plumbing every year?

Because Central Oregon experiences freezing temperatures, it is important to winterize your plumbing each year. Insulating exposed pipes, disconnecting or shutting off outdoor pipes, blowing water out of your sprinkler system, and covering outdoor faucets can help you avoid frozen plumbing fixtures and burst pipes.

Does a small constant drip count as needing a maintenance visit?

If a pipe is constantly dripping, it’s time to reach out for a plumbing maintenance service in Central Oregon. A minor drip can add up to hundreds of gallons of wasted water. Depending on where the water ends up, it can also lead to water damage. More importantly, the small leak will likely become worse over time.

What temperature should I keep my house at to avoid frozen pipes?

When winter arrives, it’s a good idea to keep your home at 55℉ or higher to prevent your pipes from freezing. If we are experiencing a cold snap, you should open up your cabinets so that warm air circulates around the pipes. Additionally, leave your faucet dripping so that the water keeps moving and doesn’t freeze.

What are the most common plumbing problems in Central Oregon?

We often see problems that are caused by mineral buildup, clogged drains, and frozen pipes. Fortunately, seasonal plumbing maintenance in Central Oregon can prevent major problems from happening. Through flushing your tank, scheduling twice-yearly inspections, and performing other maintenance tips, you can avoid inconvenient plumbing emergencies and expensive repairs in the future.

Support Your Year-Round Performance in Central Oregon

If you need plumbing maintenance in Bend or Redmond, we can help. Through twice-yearly inspections, you can be proactive about your plumbing care and avoid expensive repairs.

Homeowners can get help scheduling a plumbing maintenance service in Central Oregon by giving us a call today.