A Better Plumbing Service would like to provide you the following tips.
An ounce of prevention will go a long way toward keeping your home’s plumbing in top working order and help you avoid costly repairs and damage in the process!
Pressure reducing valve
Your water pressure should be checked annually and should register approximately 60 PSI. High water pressure can cause damage and wear to your water heater safety relief valve, your ball cocks (fill valve) in your toilet, and your solenoid valve on your washing machine and dishwasher. The high pressure can possibly water piping. If the pressure is over 65 PSI your pressure reducing valve should be replaced.
Faucets and Sinks
Check under sinks for moisture and small leaks. Repair leaky faucets right away to avoid paying for wasted water and also to avoid water damage to your cabinets and flooring.
Remove and clean your faucet aerators occasionally to prevent water spraying on counter tops and to ensure an even flow of water.
Disconnect your garden hoses from all outside faucets during cold weather to prevent freezing.
If faucets become hard to turn off, replace washers or cartridges to avoid internal damage.
Water Heaters
Before doing any maintenance on a water heater yourself, be sure to shut off the power and read your owners manual.
Every year you need to drain several gallons of water from your water heater. Over time sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank which can affect the performance. Draining several gallons from the bottom of the tank helps remove the sediment. If you have an electric water heater you should make sure all air is purged from the system by opening all your faucets before turning the power back on to prevent dry firing of the elements.
If the pilot light on your gas water heater will not stay lit, you may need to replace the thermo couple.
Your water heater flame should appear blue with yellow tips. If it’s mostly yellow or if you see black soot under the water heater, your flue maybe clogged which is a dangerous situation. Contact A Better Plumbing Service to have it checked out.
If you smell gas contact your local gas provider, or contact A Better Plumbing Service to have it checked out.
Toilets
Worn toilet parts can silently leak and waste water and money. Check all toilet parts in the tank regularly for wear and replace as needed.
Clogs
Do not rinse particulars or cooking oils down the sink.
Avoid using caustic drain openers on a drain that is completely clogged. The caustic drain opener can become trapped in your pipes and will cause severe damage.