A well-maintained set of plumbing pipes means fewer expensive repairs and a more comfortable home, which corresponds to your wallet’s comfort – meaning more dollars and less stress while waiting for the plumber’s arrival once again, along with an extra bill to cover that visit! A few small actions will help keep your pipes put together better than ever!
Unchecked, a leak can cost a fortune in wasted water and may lead to serious damage to both residential and commercial properties, hence ongoing periodic inspections and maintenance can play an important role in saving money on major repair work in the future.
Check Water Pressure
You might not think about your plumbing if nothing is going wrong, and also even when something is going wrong, but regular checking of your house’s water pressure is one of the best practices to keep your house in good shape. Low water pressure can lead to busted or cracked pipes, and it also stresses your appliances faster than normal, and wears them down in shorter periods of time. The best way to determine if your home has the right amount of pressure, is to do simple tests at least every few months.
Pressure gauges to fit the typical US-sized bore cost anywhere from $20 to $25 at most hardware and home improvement stores. Before taking your reading, make sure that nothing is running: turn off all the indoor faucets and other water fixtures (including the dishwasher, the washing machine and the refrigerator ice maker), let the attic fountain stop pumping water, and then attach your gauge to the exterior spigot (typically found in back) where the main water enters your home – that spigot closest to it becomes the place to set up your test.
Clean Faucet Aerators and Shower Heads
Cleaning can typically remedy a clogged shower head or faucet aerator in a matter of minutes. Soak in white vinegar or 50/50 water and baking soda for up to 30 minutes, and use a toothbrush to brush away the residue before rinsing with tap water for best results.
Aerators increase water flow, reduce soap residue deposits and save water (and money) since you don’t need as much water during showers or washing the dishes. If the aerators remain clean, the flow in your taps won’t become partially obstructed from calcium-carbonate deposits that can develop in hard-water areas and hamper the function or result in an inconsistent or even blocked flow of water.
To keep your Isenberg fixtures looking their best, wipe clean with mild detergent and cloth or sponge, then wipe dry with soft cloth or sponge and mild detergent solution. This will prevent the build-up of mineral salts, soap scum and debris that can accrue over time and slowly degrade the surface of your fixture. Choose one of the following gentle cleaning solutions for maximum sparkle without risk of damage:
Inspect Your Water Heater
Most homeowners neglect their water heater until it goes completely belly up, but it’s a good idea to inspect it annually and flush it, lubricate the moving parts twice annually, and check the safety valve.
However, before elephant learning about DIY water heater repair, the professional test should be done by the trained specialist. Ensuring that all power is turned off – to do this, turn off the switch in your circuit breaker box or flip it manually.
Look for scorch marks or soot around the fixtures to see if the unit is overheating, and check that ventilation fans are clear for gas units. Make sure temperature controls are in optimal performance; this will help save on energy by avoiding accidental scalding as well. Have an expert inspect anode rods for corrosion – that may prevent energy consumption in your electricity bill and also prevent accidents.
Check Drains
Clogged drains are some of the most common plumbing problems, and when they aren’t handled in time they can lead to foul smelling situations where your house becomes unusable. If you feel your drains are lacking their usual efficiency, or they are almost full blocked, you should have them inspected as soon as possible.
Clogged or filled with debris, those drains will quickly become hatcheries for bacteria, mould or mildew, as well as more immediate plumbing issues such as corrosion or water leakage. Left alone, such drains will soon spawn the kinds of pathogens that threaten us in various ways, including but not limited to nastier problems such as corrosion or water leakage.
These initiations should include an annual drain check-up to discover minor problems before they turn major, they should be able to find leaks, cracks or tree invasions before they become to costly to repair… You’ll save money by having healthy drains… your toilet will be plunged yearly by a cup plunger or plumbing snake and your home will look nice for company…