A lot of people only reach to call a plumber when a problem strikes. But you might be able to avoid the majority of these problems by calling a plumber to help you out on a regular basis. For example, an annual visit from a plumber could make a big difference in helping to maintain the plumbing around your home so that major problems don't strike. Here are three things they can do for you.

Switching Pipes

Pipes can last for years or even decades without needing to be replaced, but once one starts to go bad, it tends to go downhill quickly. Pipes can become corroded and damaged over time, or in the case of tube-like pipes connecting the washing machine, can break open from prolonged exposure to hot water over the years.

Having a plumber come out to replace some of your piping is a great idea. Most homes have the same plumbing that they had when they were built, which means that any of your pipes could be in dire need of replacement right now. A plumber will inspect your pipes to determine if any of them are in bad shape, and if they are, they can replace them without the fuss that comes with a major plumbing disaster striking.

Replacing Sealant

When toilets do their job right, there's nothing to complain about. But unfortunately, a very icky problem can develop simply from a toilet getting too old.

Toilets have sealant along the bottom edge of them that prevents wastewater from escaping and making a mess of your bathroom. However, this sealant breaks down with time. Constant exposure to wastewater plus the bit of movement that a toilet makes whenever someone sits on it can start to break down this sealant gradually over time. Having the sealant replaced or repaired before it becomes a big problem can save you from a mess and potential floor damage.

Cleaning Drains

Lastly, many people don't realize it, but their biggest plumbing problems often start as smaller ones. Is your drain running sluggishly on occasion? It could lead to a bigger blockage down the road, anywhere in the plumbing inside your home or even in the sewer line leading to the street.

By signing up for regular drain cleaning, you can ensure that any potential blockages are completely cleared from your pipes. This will keep things running smoothly and will help to ensure that you don't have any major blockages in the months to come.

For more information, contact a local plumbing service.