|
Plumbing Tips
As a homeowner, you want to know your home's plumbing is running in top performance. Often, this means being proactive about plumbing home maintenance. There are many things you can do to prevent untimely plumbing emergencies in your home. Here are a few things you'll discover in this section of our site:
1. Stop Small Leaks
2. Regular Water Heater Maintenance
3. Water Heater Burner Inspection
4. Replace Ancient Water Heaters
5. Check Lawn Sprinklers for Leaks
6. Inspect Sump Pump Before Spring Rains
Stop Small Leaks
Most people are astounded at the impact of even tiny leaks in faucets or toilets. Leaks that are barely perceptible to the naked eye can waste thousands of gallons of fresh water a year, costing you hundreds of dollars in excess water and sewage bills. If you have a leak that you know of, get it fixed before all that money goes, literally, down the drain. It's a good idea to have a professional plumber do a complete household check-up to find leaks that escape casual notice.
back to top
Regular Water Heater Maintenance
Your water heater is one of the most important household appliances. Over time sediment builds at the bottom of the heater, which can hamper performance. A good professional will check this on an annual basis. He or she will also check the drain valve for signs of leakage, and the anode rods for corrosion.
back to top
Water Heater Burner Inspection
Also important is a water heater burner inspection. A good way of telling is to check the flame under the water heater. It should appear blue with yellow tips. If it's mostly yellow or if you see a layer of soot and carbon, the flue ways may be clogged. Don't try anything yourself at this point. Call a professional to investigate the situation.
back to top
Replace Ancient Water Heaters
Once a water heater springs a leak in its housing, it is beyond repair and must be replaced. Many units will last 15-20 years or even longer before this happens. (And it always seems to happen at the most inconvenient times, like when the family is coming over for a holiday gathering!) If you have an ancient water heater, it may pay off for you to get it replaced even before it breaks down. Units made in the last 10 -15 years have much higher operating efficiencies than older models. Savings in fuel costs often will pay for the new installation in just a few years.
back to top
Check Lawn Sprinklers for Leaks
Lawn sprinklers often spring leaks over the winter. If puddles form on your lawn, you probably have seepage in some of the lines.
back to top
Inspect Sump Pump Before Spring Rains
Check your sump pump to make sure it's in working order before the heavy spring rains begin. Watch for build-up of sand or other debris in the sump pit. This can jam the pump and burn out its motor. Also, make sure the pump's discharge pipe is not clogged. Hook up a garden hose to the connection point. If water runs through the other end, the pipe is okay. Consider getting a battery-operated back-up sump pump if your pump has been overloaded in the past from heavy rains.
back to top
Unblock Gutters and Downspouts
Keep rain gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and other debris. Water overflowing from blocked gutters collects around your home's foundation and seeps into your basement.
back to top
Inspect Flood Control Devices
If your home is equipped with a flood control device such as an ejector pump, have it checked regularly by your plumbing contractor to make sure it is working properly before the heavy spring rains.
back to top
Proprietary Information, Nexstar Network, Inc., Copyright 1997
|
