Tips for Maintaining Your Plumbing
- Fix leaky faucets promptly. In addition to wasting about 20 gallons of water a day, a leak can ruin your faucet set.
- Do not use caustic liquid drain openers on a drain that is completely clogged. It can severly damage your pipes.
- Periodically drain several gallons of water from your water heater. This removes sediment from the bottom of the tank to increase heating efficiency and prolong tank life.
- Wrap outdoor or crawlspace pipes with electric heat tape or insulation to prevent freezing.
- Do not rinse fats or cooking oils down the drain. Liquid fats solidify in the cold drain pipes and create clogs.
- To extend the life of your garbage disposal, use plenty of cold water when running, don't overload, and never dispose of bones, corn husks, or stringy fibrous material. Never use a caustic drain opener. Always use tongs or pliers to free objects from the disposal; don't use your hands!
- Check under sinks for moisture or small leaks. Leaks under sinks should be repaired quickly to avoid damage to cabinets and floors.
- Use a strainer in bathroom drains. This will prevent hair and soap pieces from clogging drains.
- Make sure overflow holes on tubs and vanity are clear and open to prevent damage to floors and ceilings.
