So, in our today’s blog, we show you five tips. There are lots of other things you can look for. We have a proper checklist that goes through weekly, monthly, annually, and seasonal maintenance.
These five tips are the most important things to always keep an eye on to make sure your house doesn’t have leaks or any problems.
Tip 1: Check for Leaks Around Plumbing Fixtures
Check around all plumbing fixtures to ensure there are no leaks. This includes sinks, toilets, tubs, dishwashers, and washing machines. Some fixtures are easier to check than others. The most common leaks are found under sinks and around toilets. Open up your cabinets under the sink and check for leaks around the water lines and drainage. Use your fingers or a dry towel to check for moisture. Don’t forget to check above the cabinet where the taps are mounted. Leaks can also occur where the faucets are mounted to the sink or countertop. Ensure there is no breakdown of silicone around your sinks.
For toilets, check around the toilet valve, behind the toilet, and underneath the toilet for any signs of water or stains. Also, check the tank to bowl seal as the gasket can dry out and cause leaks.
Check around the washing machine and dishwasher. Ensure the drainage system is functioning properly. Check the hose bibs, water lines, and hoses behind the washing machine for leaks. Sometimes a simple tightening is all that is needed.
Tip 2: Maintain Drainage
For sink, bathtub, and kitchen drainage, run a cycle of vinegar and baking soda once a week or every two weeks. This helps break down debris sticking to the pipes and P-trap, preventing clogs. While this is not a treatment for already clogged drains, it helps keep everything moving smoothly. Regular maintenance with vinegar and baking soda can prolong the life of your drains.
Tip 3: Check Aerators
Low water pressure from your shower head or sink faucet can be caused by clogged aerators. Aerators are screens that sit inside the spout. Twist off the aerators from the shower head or faucet, soak them in vinegar, and clean them. Do this once a month or every two months to maintain good water pressure.
Tip 4: Seasonal Maintenance of Hose Bibs
In areas where temperatures drop below freezing, it’s important to shut off and drain hose bibs to prevent pipes from bursting. Remove the hose, shut the valve off inside the house, open the hose bib outside, and leave it open all winter. This prevents residual water from freezing and causing damage.
Tip 5: Flush Your Hot Water Tank
Flush your hot water tank annually to prolong its life. Regularly check the tank for leaks and corrosion. To flush the tank, shut off the cold water valve, open a hot faucet above the tank level to allow air flow, and drain the tank using a hose connected to the floor drain. After draining, blast cold water into the tank to stir up and remove sediment.
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Keep an eye on the relief valve. Do not plug it, as it prevents the tank from becoming over-pressurized. If the relief valve is leaking, do not tamper with it, as it can become stuck and cause further issues.
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If you’re unsure about any of these steps or notice persistent issues, it’s worth asking a plumber for professional advice and assistance.
Conclusion
Thanks for watching! If you made it to the end, don’t forget to download the checklist in the link below. Follow these simple tips and tricks to maintain your plumbing system. Smash the subscribe button and we’ll see you in the next video!
