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Taking Small Steps

Are you are a homeowner searching for ways to keep plumbing costs down during the year, then one of the best ways is to reduce the chances of having high cost plumbing repairs. As a Master Plumber, I have the opportunity to see various ways that you as a homeowner can take small steps to save big money every year

Drains

Cleaning drains every 2-3 months can help reduce the risk of having a backed up drain, thus saving you a significant amount of money in plumbing repairs. Using common household bleach is one way to keeping your drains flowing properly. Sink drains, shower drains and tub drains can easily be maintained by simply using bleach. It is also helpful to pour bleach down the A/C drain to help with drainage. But remember, bleach can be very caustic, so always make sure that the area is well ventilated.

Garbage Disposal

I like to think that a garbage disposal is a plumbers “Best Friend”. Putting too much garbage down the disposal at one time will turn into a bad plumbing problem very quickly. To deal with bad odors, use just the juice from a lemon. Do not throw the lemons into the disposal. Never pour bleach down the garbage disposal. This can harm your unit.

To sharpen your blades, dump a tray of ice cubes into the disposal once a month while running hot water. Not only will it sharpen your blades, but it helps keep the kitchen drain clean and unclogged, and recycles the old ice in your ice maker.

Water Heater

At least once a year, drain your hot water heater tank. By doing this you can help extend the life of your heater by up to 10 years. Many manufacturers are recommending you do this as part of your normal maintenance procedures. Let’s face it, the price of water heaters keeps going up year after year. Couldn’t you put that money to better use elsewhere? By draining your tank you will have cleaner water, less sediment, and this will help your unit run more efficiently. You can also flush out tankless water heaters. All plumbing supply companies have a kit that will help you do this job. If it has been longer than 3 years since you drained your tankless water heater, then it is time to call your plumber.

Air Flow

Oxygen is required in combustible gas fixtures to efficiently produce the heating your unit needs. Your furnace or water heater will burn more gas if it is not getting enough combustible air. This can lead to higher utility bills, as well as product failure. If your unit is in the attic, run a dryer vent hose from a roof vent to the unit itself. You can also cut a vent in the lower as well as upper portions of the door that goes to these units. Having your unit vented properly is especially important in hotter areas.

Filters

As long as filters are changed out frequently, they will work great. Did you know that your plumbing system could actually be harmed if you don’t change these on a regular basis? With the purchase of all filters you will find the manufacturer’s recommendation for replacing. Besides furnace and plumbing filters, don’t forget about your refrigerators filter, too. By cleaning or replacing it, you will extend the life of your fridge, as well as preventing clogs from ruining it’s performance.

If in doubt on how or when to perform your maintenance, call our plumbers. We are here to help.