Emergency plumbing jobs can be quite expensive. Forbes says plumbers may charge anywhere from $100 to $500 (CAD 135 to CAD 670) per hour for such jobs, and some add fees of hundreds of dollars if you need emergency work at night or during the weekend.

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Luckily for homeowners, regular plumbing maintenance can help reduce the chance of expensive emergencies arising. Here are the top benefits of plumbing maintenance.

1. Better Water Pressure

Plumbing system maintenance can keep all the inner workings of your home’s waterways clear and clean.  When everything is working well — from supply pipes to showerheads — your water pressure tends to be higher than it is when things aren’t working well.

General plumbing maintenance that supports good water pressure provides a number of benefits for your household, including:

• Better quality of life. Relaxing in a shower with the right water pressure offers an experience that is better than taking a shower without good water pressure. It provides massage relief for your muscles and can help you rinse your body and hair better.
• Time savings. Better water pressure means you’re not waiting around for the tub to fill or for a pot of water to boil the spaghetti in.
• Cleaner dishes. More water pressure can make it easier to clean dishes, especially if you’re tackling manual dishwashing jobs.

2. Fewer Leaks

When it comes to plumbing and maintenance, a major benefit is a reduction in leaks. When you check your systems regularly, you can identify weak points or issues and correct them before water starts seeping through from pipes or fixtures.

Plumbing maintenance also ensures that you find those small leaks before they become big leaks. That can mean a small inconvenience and expenses rather than a big problem, such as mold growing under your floors or structural problems because water has weakened beams or flooring.

3. Reduce Utility Costs

A top plumbing maintenance tip for homeowners is to get their systems checked regularly. This can help you reduce your utility costs by finding and stopping small leaks. Even a small leak can mean you’re using many gallons of water you wouldn’t otherwise use, resulting in potentially hundreds of dollars in utility costs every year.

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4. Safer, Healthier Water and Home

When your plumbing is in good repair, your water is generally safer. For example, if any of your pipes are corroded or damaged, pollutants and chemicals could be making their way into your water without you knowing it. That can present both short-term and long-term health hazards for your family.

If your fixtures or pipes are leaking, even a little bit, it can result in mildew and mold growth. This can occur inside your walls, beneath flooring and in other areas that you can’t see and may not know about. Over time, mold and mildew can create a toxic environment in your home that is disastrous for your health. If the problem gets bad enough, you may not be able to correct it and may have to leave your home. However, some plumbing preventative maintenance can keep you from ending up with such results.

5. Reduced Chance of Emergency Repairs

Finally, as previously mentioned, plumbing maintenance substantially reduces your chances of needing emergency repairs. This can save you a lot of money, but it also provides peace of mind. You can live your life, invite friends and family over and know that your plumbing is likely to hold up to whatever you throw at it.

Should You DIY Plumbing Maintenance?

If you have some basic understanding of plumbing and are fairly handy, you can do some plumbing maintenance yourself. For example, you can check for leaks around your fixtures or install a new faucet in the bathroom. However, it’s typically a good idea to call on a professional to handle larger maintenance and repairs.

If you buy new plumbing fixtures, such as a shower, bathtub or water heater, ask about maintenance and warranty plans so you know what’s covered. Consider investing in a plan to cover plumbing services, especially if they include seasonal inspections.

Your dishwasher saves you time and gives your dishes a squeaky-clean finish that’s hard to match when washing by hand. But what do you do when your dishwasher isn’t performing the way it should?

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The last thing you want when you have a mountain of dishes in the sink or guests coming over is a faulty dishwasher. Fortunately, performing some routine maintenance can help reduce the chances of the most common issues, and it can even extend the life of your machine.

Common Dishwasher Problems

These dishwasher issues can be prevented with a few simple maintenance steps:

• Dishwasher not draining or draining slowly
• Water leaks
• Spots on dishes
• Bad odor
• Poor water pressure
• Broken racks

Regular Dishwasher Maintenance Tasks

Check out these five tips for maintaining a well-running dishwasher.

1. Scrape Your Dishes Before Loading Them

Dishwasher quality has improved over the last several decades, so it’s no longer necessary to “pre-wash” your dishes before loading them. However, scraping large or loose food particles from your dishes can help prolong the life of your dishwasher and prevent a variety of issues.

To determine if this is an issue for you, look for:

• Trapped food particles or grease. This can leave your dishwasher drain clogged.
• Spray nozzles that are blocked. This reduces the pressurized water coverage on your dish loads and affects cleaning performance.
• Food and grease lodged in the crevices of your dishwasher. This debris can decompose and create a foul smell.

2. Check Your Hoses and Gaskets

The hoses and gaskets are an often overlooked area of dishwasher maintenance. If they’re degraded, you could find yourself with a leaky machine that causes damage to your floors. It’s important to look over any of your seals and connections to make sure there are no splits in your lines, that hoses are connected securely and gaskets are still intact and pliable.

Signs of a damaged hose or gasket include:

• Hard water deposits at hose connection sites. This presents as a chalky white substance on the edge of your hose and connectors.
• Signs of water damage below or behind your dishwasher. These could be indications that leaks are occurring regularly, and you will need to find the source.
• Leaking or pooling water at the front of your dishwasher. This can be a sign of a worn door seal.

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3. Clean Mineral Deposits

Unless you have a water softener, the water that runs through your dishwasher is carrying a variety of minerals that may harden to create limescale within your dishwasher. Limescale builds on itself, so these deposits can easily clog spray nozzles and hoses, reducing water flow through the entire system. It can also put extra wear on your hoses and gaskets, reducing their flexibility and making them less effective.

A good water softener is the best preventative measure, but you can also run a vinegar cycle through your dishwasher to reduce limescale buildup and scrub at the deposits you can see. This is also effective for eliminating mold and mildew.

You may have limescale issues if:

• Your dishes come out with hard water spots.
• Your dishes are coming out dirty. Check the spray arm and nozzles for mineral deposits from your water. Take a safety pin and gently clear the debris from the nozzles.
• You see a white, chalky substance along the edges of your door seal. Clean this regularly to maintain the integrity of the seal.
• Your dishwasher is not draining completely. Limescale can also build up inside pipes and hoses, slowing wastewater outflow.

4. Check the Coating on the Dish Rack Tines

Some dishwasher racks are made of metal and coated in plastic to protect them from rusting. Any chips or cracks in this coating allow water inside to the metal and should be addressed immediately.

To see if your racks need to be resealed, look for:

• Silver or dark spots or lines along the rack wires. Coatings are usually done in light colors to make it easier for you to see any damage.
• Rough or uneven spots in the smooth coating, possibly indicating a new crack or worn area.

5. Clean Your Screen Regularly

Most dishwashers have a screen installed to catch loose silverware, broken glass bits and large food particles to protect hoses and pipes from being clogged. It’s important to check this screen to ensure it is clear to allow easy flow when your dishwasher drains.

Possible indicators it’s time for your screen to be cleaned include:

• A bad odor. This may be coming from rotting food trapped in the screen.
• Slow drainage. Limescale on the screen can cause this.

Dishwasher Maintenance Improves the Life of Your Machine

Performing routine maintenance tasks is the best way to maximize the lifespan of your dishwasher and ensure optimal performance through every cycle. Although your dishwasher isn’t going to last forever, it’s important you can count on it to clean your dishes well without causing damage to your floors or plumbing. Taking the time to go through these maintenance actions is the easiest and most cost-effective way to get the most from your machine.

Have you ever gone to make yourself a snack or grab a drink from the fridge only to open the door to a soggy mess? You notice drips of water on the shelves. There’s condensation in and around the bottom of the fridge.

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You may be worried your appliance is on the fritz. However, a refrigerator sweating usually isn’t as serious as it looks.

Why Is There Condensation in My Fridge?

A small amount of refrigerator sweating is normal. Warmer air from outside the fridge creates moisture on the inside. When the moist air meets the cold shelves and the inside of the door, that moisture turns into water. If you have a large family and the door is open and shut frequently, it can lead to a humid refrigerator and items in the refrigerator sweating. There are other reasons you may notice moisture inside your fridge:

• Poor door seals. Faulty door seals allow warm air to leak inside your fridge. This can lead to a buildup of condensation.
• Overloaded fridge. If your fridge is too full, the air can’t flow properly, which causes high humidity levels.
• Faulty thermostat. If you notice food isn’t as cold, or the temperature inside your fridge keeps rising, it could indicate a faulty thermostat.
• Hot climate. If you live in an area where it’s unusually warm, it’s more common to find a buildup of condensation inside your fridge.

How Do I Stop Condensation in My Fridge?

Once you understand why it’s happening, you may be able to stop your refrigerator sweating and prevent a repair call.

• Limit the number of times you open the door. When you do open the door, don’t stand with it open for extended periods while you try to find a snack.
• Examine the door seals to make sure they aren’t cracked or damaged. Worn-out seals can cause food to sweat in the refrigerator and make your fridge work harder. When your fridge works overtime, it can cause an increase in energy costs.
• Use a small outdoor thermometer to check the interior refrigerator temperature and adjust as needed. According to the USDA, the ideal temperature for the inside of your fridge is 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Clean out your fridge and throw away expired and unnecessary items. Organize the contents in a way that air can circulate freely between items.
• Avoid placing hot leftovers in the fridge. Allow the items to cool before putting them inside.

Why Is the Food in My Refrigerator Sweating?

If you have high levels of condensation on the inside of your fridge, you may notice that not only is your refrigerator sweating, but the food packages seem to sweat, too. It’s typically the same condensation effect causing this. When you place leftovers on a shelf, let them cool to room temperature first. If you place warm containers, it can cause moisture and then water to form. Also, wrap items carefully in foil or place them inside a plastic storage bag. Uncovered foods tend to release more humidity, which can result in sweating.

Some refrigerators have humidity control levels in certain drawers. Placing produce and other fresh food in high-humidity areas can sometimes lead to sweating.

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Why Is There Condensation Outside of My Fridge?

A refrigerator sweating on the inside tends to be more concerning than moisture on the outside. Occasionally, you may notice the outside of your fridge is wet to the touch, and here’s why.

• Door seals. Split, cracked or broken door seals can cause water inside and on the outside of the fridge.
• High-room humidity. If your kitchen is warm or humid, it can cause the exterior of the fridge to feel moist if the surface is much colder.
• Damaged insulation. Older refrigerators or ones with damaged insulation may allow cold air to leak. This can cause exterior moisture buildup.

How Do I Stop Condensation on the Outside of My Fridge?

A few simple adjustments to your fridge are usually all that’s needed to eliminate exterior moisture. Start by placing a portable dehumidifier near the fridge to reduce humidity in the room. Make sure there’s at least 1 inch of space between your fridge and surrounding walls for maximum airflow. Finally, open the doors and inspect the seals. If you notice any damage, replacing the seals can make a huge difference. If you think insulation may be a culprit, contact a professional to schedule a repair.

While it may seem that mold growth only happens in the summer when the weather is warm, that’s not exactly the case. The right conditions for mold can occur in any season, regardless of what the temperature is like outside. Cold weather can even create an ideal environment for mold growth in certain situations.

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Does Mold Grow During the Winter?

Mold can grow in the winter and just about any season or weather. As long as the right conditions are met in terms of excessive moisture and humid environments, mold will grow. Cold weather does not kill mold. All really cold temperatures do is cause the mold spores to become dormant. This means that when the temperature levels rise up again, the mold spores will begin to spread again. It’s best to prevent mold from growing in the first place, and that starts with maintenance before and when winter arrives.

There are even certain types of mold that can adapt to winter conditions and thrive. Cladosporium, Alternaria and Penicillium are common indoor molds that can appear in the winter.

Causes of Mold Growth

Poor Ventilation

A lack of sufficient ventilation is often the main cause of mold growth during the winter. Since most homeowners seal up their homes before winter arrives to try and keep the heat inside, this can have unintended consequences when there is a lack of adequate airflow.

High Humidity

If humidity levels rise dramatically in your home, it results in condensation on damp surfaces like the windows, bathrooms, attic, crawlspaces and basement. The longer the condensation stays in these areas, the higher the likelihood that mold will grow. Adding an exhaust fan to your kitchen and bathroom can help reduce condensation. You can also clean these areas and get rid of moisture routinely, but you’ll want to find the source of the condensation, which is more than likely the result of insufficient ventilation.

You might have windows and doors closed for a long period of time when it’s cold, which prevents fresh air from coming inside. Sometimes, there simply aren’t enough roof vents on the roof, preventing sufficient circulation and leading to mold in the attic. If you sense that your attic feels very hot or there is lots of condensation on your attic walls, it’s worth getting your attic and roof inspected by a professional who can determine if additional vents are needed.

Poor air circulation leads to high humidity levels and condensation on your walls, windows and pipes. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, you should keep the humidity levels in your home between 30 and 50 percent. You can prevent mold growth in the first place by ensuring that your house has a good ventilation system that keeps humidity and moisture levels at a minimum. A ventilation system can also safeguard your roof, extending its longevity.

Lack of Insulation

If your home insulation isn’t properly installed, it can block the soffit vents responsible for letting outside air inside. Too much insulation can also block attic vents and air ducts that transport air from the HVAC system around your house. This is a common issue with improperly installed insulation and can cause all sorts of other problems as well.

If you think your vents are blocked off, you can use a leaf blower to blow the air and try to push the insulation out or call a contractor to do it for you to prevent further issues.

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Leaky Roof

Roof leaks can happen at any time, and if the winter months in your area come with harsh storms or hail that can damage your shingles, it can lead to a breach. As water enters your attic, this excessive moisture can nurture mold growth along the walls, especially the insulation. Unfortunately, when this happens, your options are quite limited. You’ll need to call a roofer to inspect the roof, repair any leaks and assess any water damage in the attic.

If your insulation has received extensive water damage, you may also need to get it replaced. That’s why it’s often best to have a professional contractor inspect your roof and make sure it’s in good condition before winter arrives.

Drafty Windows

The roof isn’t the only place that can allow water to seep inside your home. Take a look at your windows and look for gaps or cracks. Leaky pipes or pipes with condensation can be sneaky places where mold appears, and they aren’t always the most noticeable since they’re often out of sight. Have a plumber inspect your pipes to check their condition. You can also install insulation around the pipes to reduce condensation.

If you find mold, you can kill it with a combination of water and bleach or vinegar. Just ensure that you identify the main source of its growth to fully get rid of it, or call a professional to come and take a look.

You might not give much thought to your water heater, but, like most things, water heaters get a lot more attention when they stop working properly. How can you tell if your water heater is having issues — even before something goes wrong?

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Beyond the obvious (your hot water isn’t working), there are actually quite a few signs your water heater is going out. Learn what these symptoms might mean for the health of your machine.

Broken Water Heater? Check For These 5 Common Problems:

Inconsistent Water Temperature

One way to know that your water heater is not working as it should is if you’re experiencing inconsistent water temperatures. Inconsistent water temperature could signal an issue with the thermostat, but it could also point toward a problem with the heating element, which is a bigger issue to address. However, if your water is not staying heated for long enough, it may mean that nothing is actually broken; you just need a bigger tank. If inconsistent heating continues to be an issue with your water heater, have a licensed plumber come out to inspect the situation further.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is another possible warning sign that your water heater is acting up. Although other factors can influence water pressure, if you notice the water pressure from your taps is lower than usual when the warm or hot water is running, the issue is likely with buildup in your water heater. Sediment collects inside the water heater over time, causing blockages and lower flow. To fix this issue, you could call in a plumber to either clean the supply lines or replace the pipe. If you have a newer model water heater, you might want a plumber to try cleaning and flushing the sediment from the pipes first to see if that fixes the problem.

Discolored Water

If your water starts to look murky or rusty, it may be a warning sign that your water heater is corroding. If a water heater tank begins to corrode, rust can build up pretty quickly, causing discolored water that doesn’t taste good. Although it’s likely not harmful, this rust can damage your appliances. Plus, no one wants rusty, murky water to shower or wash dishes with!

Before replacing the entire water heater, you can try replacing the anode rod and see if that solves the problem. Anode rods are steel wires that have other components — like magnesium and aluminum — that help prevent corrosion in standard tank water heaters. However, they typically wear out faster than the water heaters themselves, meaning you’ll probably need to replace your anode rod every three to five years, depending on your water quality and usage.

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Strange Noises

Water heaters make some noise as part of their regular functioning, but if you start hearing unusual sounds coming from your water heater, it may signal that your water heater needs some work. If you hear a rumbling or banging sound, you could have sediment buildup in your tank that needs to be flushed out. Excess sediment buildup can also cause a popping sound. In addition to flushing out your tank, replacing your anode rod might be in order.

A crackling or hissing sound, on the other hand, may indicate moisture buildup in a gas water heater. In an electric tank, it may mean something is obstructing the tank’s heating element. If this is the case, you may need to drain your tank or call a professional for further assistance.

Whistling or high-pitched screeching sounds (yikes!) are usually related to pressure adjustments in your tank. If they continue, you may want to double-check that your pressure valves and your temperature valves are adjusted properly. If you aren’t comfortable addressing this on your own, you can call in a technician to come take a look.

Eggy Smell

An eggy smell in your water is no fun, and it’s often a sign that your water heater is not working properly. Although other water issues, like sulfur bacteria in your water supply, can also cause your water to smell like eggs, if the issue is specific to your warm and hot water supply, then you can assume the problem stems from your water heater. Sulfur bacteria love the warm, wet conditions of a water heater tank. The bacteria can build up in your tank, causing that unpleasant rotten egg smell.

Although it doesn’t mean that your water heater is broken, an eggy smell is something you’ll want to remedy ASAP. To kill the sulfur bacteria, some people suggest shocking the tank with bleach. This can be a little tricky to do, so you may want to try raising the temperature of your tank temporarily instead to kill the bacteria. You can also try replacing your magnesium anode with one of a different material. Aluminum rods tend to produce less sulfide bacteria than magnesium rods, which might be helpful if your water is prone to developing that sulfur smell.

Broken Water Heater No More

If your water heater is exhibiting any of the warning signs above, it’s best to address them promptly to avoid bigger problems down the line. The good news is that many of these issues can be fixed without having to replace your water heater entirely, meaning you can get back to enjoying dependably hot showers again without breaking the bank.