Save Money By Maintaining Your Plumbing
Posted on: 30 July 2015
There are few things used more than your home's plumbing system. Every day, someone in your family is using the plumbing, whether it is to wash clothes, wash their hands, or run the dishwasher. So many household tasks rely on your plumbing system that it can be a travesty when it needs a repair. While major plumbing issues will require the a professional plumber, you can avoid many plumbing issues by doing maintenance yourself. Here are some ways to better maintain your plumbing and avoid costly repairs in the future.
Inspect for Leaks
Plumbing leaks are one of the most common and most expensive plumbing issues in a home. You want to make sure you avoid them at all cost. Even if you do have a leak, you can save yourself thousands of dollars by catching it early on. One way to thoroughly check for leaks is by keeping your eye on the water meter. You should check this before you lay down for bed and again in the morning before anyone has had the chance to use water. If the number on the meter has changed, this could be a good sign there is a leak in your plumbing somewhere.
Clean Your Drains
One of the best ways to maintain your plumbing system properly is by cleaning your drains monthly. While it may seem like an obnoxious task, you can save yourself a visit from the plumber. Dirt, debris, and grease are notorious for clogging drains in a home. By keeping them clean each month, you can stop the buildup from occurring. Ways to clean your drains yourself include dumping boiling water down them or using a concoction of baking soda, vinegar, and water to help break up the buildup.
Flush Your Water Heater
Over time, your water heater will start to develop lime and calcium inside of it. When this happens, your water heater does not perform as efficiently. In order to get it working properly and avoid using too much water and energy to run it, you want to make sure you remove it from the unit. A licensed plumber should be called in to flush the water heater to avoid further damage. You should check your unit's manual to see how often the manufacturer recommends you flush it, but most of them prefer it be done about once a year. This ensures it continues to work optimally.
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