Residential Plumbing Tips
These simple plumbing maintenance tips can help you save money and avoid costly repairs.
General Tips
- Fix leaky or dripping faucets promptly. A leak can ruin your plumbing fixture
and waste around 20 gallons of water per day
- Do not use caustic liquid drain openers on a drain that is completely clogged.
It can severely damage your pipes.
- Periodically drain several gallons of water from the release valve at the
bottom or your water heater. This removes sediment from the bottom of the tank
which increases heating efficiency and prolongs tank life.
- Wrap outdoor or crawl space pipes with electrical tape or insulation to prevent
freezing.
In Your Kitchen & Bath
- Do not rinse fats or cooking oils down the drain. Liquid fats solidify in
cold drain pipes and create clogs.
- Check under sinks for moisture or small leaks. Leaks under sinks should be
replaced quickly to avoid damage to cabinets and floors.
- Use a strainer in bathroom drains. This will prevent hair and soap pieces
from clogging drains.
- Make sure overflow holes on tubs and vanity are clear and open to prevent
water damage to floors and ceilings.
To extend the life of your garbage disposal:
- Use plenty of cold water when running
- Don't overload
- Never dispose bones, corn husks, or stringy fibrous materials
- Never use a caustic drain opener
- Always use tongs or pliers to free objects from the disposal - don't use
your hands
Know Your Valves
In case of an emergency, it is important to know how to shut off the water supply to your entire home
or individual fixtures. Most homes have a shutoff valve at the street or well location. This is usually
found at the water meter or well pump. Additionally, most homes have a valve where the main feed enters
the home. This is often under the kitchen sink or in a bathroom closet. Make sure that you know the location
of these valves and have the proper tools to operate them.
If you are unsure of the whereabouts of these valves, ask your plumber next time he or she visits.
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