Did you know that your home plumbing system comprises almost 20 percent of your total home value? That’s a significant amount. As a homeowner, you might want to think about more beneficial ways to keep up on your plumbing maintenance to protect your important investment.

An efficient plumbing system allows you to have access to clean, fresh water. Clean water is significant in relation to good health. It is important for hygiene and it is one of the conveniences that we expect with modernized living. A properly functioning plumbing system is an asset during times of drought or during times of community need.

• Kitchen

Most kitchen drains get clogged because of too much debris getting shoved down the pipes. If you want to prevent clogged drains, then it's recommended that you keep grease, butter and oil away from your drains because these will only congeal in the pipes and block water flow.

Incorrect use of the garbage disposal can also pose problems for your plumbing system. Try to follow these recommendations when using your garbage disposal: always run the faucet when using the disposal, never put fibrous foods, such as celery or banana peels down the disposal and always allow the cold water to run for at least 15 seconds after using the disposal.

• Bathroom

Many people complain of clogged bathroom drains, as well. You can reduce the likelihood of clogs by following a few plumbing maintenance tips: reduce your use of bath oils and use drain screens to prevent hair from traveling down the drain, wait ten minutes between showers to maintain good water pressure. You should also avoid flushing anything down your toilet aside from human waste and toilet paper.

Try to check your pipes weekly so that you prevent small problems from becoming large problems. A few weekly plumbing maintenance tips include: checking for leaks under the sink as well as testing sink and shower drains for drainage speed.