If reading the title of this blog has got you nervous, then take a deep breath. The few maintenance steps we’ll be covering here are simple and don’t require a plumbing license.
- Check exposed pipes and appliances for water leaks.
Walk around the home — particularly the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, basement and garage — and look for dripping faucets and showerheads. If you notice any puddles of water or moisture, check the handles to make sure no water drips when the handles are turned to the off position. If you still see water dripping, then give us a call and we’ll take care of it.
- Don’t ignore leaking faucets.
You might be tempted to think that a small drip is no big deal. But what if that small drip were coins dropping down your drain, every few seconds, every day, all week, and all month? That’s essentially what happens and leads to an unusually high water bill at the end of the month. Don’t put off this plumbing fix, or you could end up with serious water damage.
- Keep a garbage receptacle next to toilets.
When you’re too lazy to walk to the trash bin in the kitchen, throwing trash into the toilet can become second nature. Unfortunately, this habit can lead to expensive clogs and even damage your home’s plumbing system. To keep your toilet and plumbing system in prime condition, keep a garbage receptacle in the bathroom. This will be a simple reminder to you and family members and guests to only throw toilet paper and waste down the drain.
- Check water pressure.
Weak water pressure can be a sign of a problem, or you may need to make a minor adjustment. Consider adding a pressure regulator to maintain a safe level of water pressure.
- Drain the water heater to clear away sediment.
Over time, sediment collects in the water heater and can reduce its efficiency. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for draining the water heater and be sure to do this twice a year.
- Inspect the water heater.
Look inside the water heater’s burner chamber and check for rust. Also, make sure the flame of the water heater is a blue color with no signs of yellow in the flame. A yellow color could indicate the jets need to be cleaned.
- Hire a professional plumber to snake your sewer lines.
If your property has big trees, it’s a good idea to hire a professional plumber to make sure tree roots are not causing any damage to sewer lines. Another preventative measure is to have the plumber regularly snake the sewer lines to prevent serious clogs.