Preventive maintenance is better than cure. In the plumbing industry, homeowners can save money on expensive repairs and lower utility bills by taking preventative measures. These are seven simple preventative maintenance steps for your home’s water system.
PREVENTION OF THE POTTY
Your toilets receive visitors every day but it’s not often that you remove the tank cover to inspect its components. It is a good idea inspect the supply, fill, flush, and flush values, as well as the supply lines for corrosion and function. The cost of wasted water can make leaky toilets costly, even though they may seem subtle.
DON’T GET HEATED OVER YOUR WATER HEATER
Have you ever felt the cold shoulder when your water heater was on? Your water heater might have accumulated sediment that makes it less efficient. To improve the performance and life span of your home’s heater, it is important to drain and flush the water heater annually. A water heater’s shutoff valve and piping should be inspected annually to detect any potential problems.
CHECK FOR LOW DRAINS
Slow-moving Drains could be a sign of larger problems. Do your showers, tubs and sinks drain well? You can flush your drains with vinegar and hot water if they are slow moving. If your drains still appear slow, it could be a blockage. Broken pipes and other problems can result from trying to remove a clog with chemicals or force. To prevent clogs from forming, clear drain P-traps beneath your sink.
FIX LEAKY FAUCETS AND SHOWERHEADS
Saving money and the environment sounds good to you, then fixing your leaking faucet or shower head is a great place. According to the Environmental Protection Agency , the average household can waste 180 gallons per week due to household leaks.
Make sure your faucet handles aren’t leaking when you turn off water. Also, check for any leaks below the sink or from the shower-heads. All of these signs could indicate a worn washer or corroded O-ring.
SIGNS OF THE YEAR
Outdoor sprinklers and pool lines are free-flowing during the summer, but they can cause a halt to your plumbing system if you don’t prepare for winter. You should add outdoor fixtures to your preventative maintenance list. Turn off outdoor water supply and insulate them before it gets too cold. Before your landscaping goes dormant, you may need to complete a sprinkler winterization.
UNDER PRESSURE
Make sure to check your water pressure gauge. It should not be set at a level that is too high. This will cause excessive pressure to your plumbing system. To maintain your pressure under control, make sure your regulator works properly.
MISSING CAULK
Because it creates a waterproof barrier between your flooring and walls, caulking in bathrooms is essential. Caulk that is missing can let moisture and water seep through your floorboard, behind your walls, and create the perfect environment for mold growth. Check for any missing or damaged caulk around the tub, sink, and shower. Do-it-yourself caulking guns and tubes make it easy to repair and replace.