Keeping Your Plumbing Maintained in the New Year
As the New Year begins, it’s an excellent time for Greenville, SC homeowners to make resolutions for maintaining their home’s plumbing system. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your plumbing but also prevents costly and inconvenient emergencies. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to keep your plumbing in top condition throughout the year, ensuring your home remains comfortable and efficient.
Schedule an Annual Inspection
Start the year right by scheduling a professional plumbing inspection with Greenville Plumbing Pros. Our skilled technicians will assess your entire system for any signs of wear and tear, leaks, or potential issues. This proactive approach helps identify small problems before they escalate into major repairs.
Regularly Clean Drains and Disposals
Keep your drains and garbage disposal clean to prevent clogs and unpleasant odors. Regularly run hot water through the drains and use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to keep them clear. For garbage disposals, avoid disposing of grease, coffee grounds, and fibrous materials like celery stalks, which can clog and damage the blades.
Check Faucets and Showerheads for Leaks
Dripping faucets and leaky showerheads can waste a significant amount of water and increase your water bill. Check all faucets and showerheads in your home for leaks and replace any worn-out washers or gaskets. Consider upgrading to low-flow models to reduce water usage and save money.
Insulate Pipes
To prevent frozen pipes during the cold months, ensure your pipes are well insulated, especially those in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages. Pipe insulation is an affordable way to protect your plumbing from freezing temperatures and the potential burst pipes that can result.
Test Your Water Heater’s Efficiency
Your water heater works harder during the colder months. Test its efficiency by checking the temperature setting on the tank. It should be set at no higher than 120°F to prevent scalding and reduce energy consumption. Flush the tank to remove sediment buildup, which can reduce heating efficiency and shorten the life of your heater.
Maintain Your Sump Pump
If your home has a sump pump, check its operation by pouring water into the pit to make sure it starts and stops as it should. Clean the pump and pit of any debris to prevent malfunctions during heavy rainfalls.
Fix Running Toilets
A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day. Often, fixing a running toilet is as simple as replacing a faulty flapper or adjusting the float. These simple repairs can lead to significant water savings over time.
Educate Everyone in the Home
Make sure everyone in your household knows how to turn off the water in case of an emergency. This can prevent major water damage in the event of a pipe burst. Additionally, educate your family about what should not be flushed down the toilets or washed down the drains to avoid clogs.
Stay Proactive with Greenville Plumbing Pros
Maintaining your home’s plumbing system is an ongoing process. Stay proactive by adhering to a regular maintenance schedule and calling on the experts at Greenville Plumbing Pros for any issues that arise. Our team is committed to helping you keep your plumbing in excellent condition all year round.
Ready to start the New Year with a plumbing system check-up? Call Greenville Plumbing Pros today at 864-362-2955 to schedule your annual inspection or for any plumbing concerns you might have. Let’s ensure your plumbing is ready to handle everything the new year has to offer!