Maintenance tips
PLUMBING SYSTEMS
An ounce of prevention
will go a long way toward keeping your home’s plumbing in top working order – and you’ll avoid costly repairs!
Faucets and Sinks
- Even
small drips can waste thousands of gallons of water, as much as 150 gallons a day! Be sure to check under sinks for moisture
or small leaks. And always repair leaky faucets right away to avoid paying for wasted water, and also to avoid water damage
to your fixtures and pipes.
- Remove and
clean your faucet aerators annually to ensure an even flow of water.
- Make sure overflow holes on tubs and vanity is clear and open to prevent water damage to floors and
ceilings.
Water Heater
- At least once every three months, drain
water from the tank. Over time sediment builds at the bottom of the heater, which can hamper performance, and draining a gallon
or so helps remove the sediment. Perform this only on a new water heater.
- You should also periodically inspect your water heater burner. The flame under the heater should
appear blue with yellow tips. If it’s mostly yellow or sooty under there, your flue may be clogged, which is a dangerous
situation. Contact a professional to check it out.
- At
least once every year, have your water heater inspected by a service technician. He or she will also check the drain valve
for signs of leakage, and the anode rods for corrosion.
Toilets
Toilet leaks can be wasteful and expensive. At least once a year,
check your toilet for leaks by adding a small amount of red food coloring to the tank, and then check the toilet bowl later.
If the toilet bowl water is colored red, water is seeping through from the tank. If it is leaking, you should schedule service.
Clogs
- To help prevent clogs, fit all your tubs and shower drains with a strainer that catches hair and
soap chips, and clean the strainer regularly.
- Do
not rinse fats or cooking oils down the kitchen sink. Liquid fats solidify in the cold pipes and create clogs.
- Avoid using caustic liquid drain openers (like Drano or Liquid
Plumber) on a drain that is completely clogged. The caustic ingredients are trapped in your pipes, and it can severely damage
them. If you can’t snake the drain yourself, contact a professional to do so. We highly recommed the use of Bio Clean
to keep your drainage system clean and free flowing.
Garbage
Disposal
- You can extend the
life of your garbage disposal by:
- Using
plenty of cold water when running it
- Making
sure you avoid overloading it
- Never
disposing of things like bones or corn husks
- Never
using a caustic drain opener.
HEATING
SYSTEMS
Keeping your heating systems in good working order
means your utility bills will be lower, your
home will be more comfortable, and you’ll need to call for repairs less often.
Maintenance Scheduling
Schedule a maintenance service call before the heating season starts. If there are any problems with your system,
it’s better to find out before it’s freezing outside! Do the same for your cooling system before sweltering season
begins.
Filters
Replace your heating (and cooling) air filters every month that they’re
in use. Operating your system with old, dirty filters means energy is wasted and your system may even be damaged. While you’re
at it, check and clean the filters in your home’s air cleaners and humidifiers.
System Checks
If you have a forced air heating system, check your furnace’s blower compartment and blower coils. Vacuum them if
you see dirt and dust there.
- If you have
a steam system, check the shut-off valve for leaks.
- Don’t keep clutter near your furnace. It’s a fire hazard, and may keep your system from operating
efficiently.
- To make sure you’re
getting the most out of your heating system, keep the heating registers and vents throughout the house free of dust, dirt,
and pet hair by vacuuming them at least once a year.
- Listen for odd sounds when your heating or cooling system kicks in. If you hear anything unusual, get in touch
with your service professional so you can head off problems before they become serious.
- In winter months, set your ceiling fan at its slowest speed and reverse it in order to gently push
warm air down from the ceiling without generating a breeze.
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