Expert Plumbing Services

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 have leaky faucets repaired right away to avoid water damage to your fixtures and pipes, as well as paying for wasted water. Remove and clean your faucet aerators annually to ensure an even flow of water. Make sure overflow holes on tubs and vanities are open and remain clear of debris to prevent water damage to floors and ceilings.

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 check the toilet bowl later. If the water in the bowl is colored red or pink, it’s an indication that water is seeping through the tank. If so, you should replace the tank ball.

To help prevent clogs, fit all your tub and shower drains with a strainer that catches hair and soap chips and clean it 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 on a drain that is completely clogged. A severe clog will cause the abrasive chemicals to get trapped in your pipes, which can severely damage them. If you can't snake the drain yourself, contact a professional to do so.

Never dispose of things like bones or corn husks, or even small grains such as rice or quinoa. Fibrous waste doesn’t break down as well and can obstruct your pipes. Instead, dispose of them in the trash or compost them for your garden. Drain all fats and oils into a jar or can before washing them in the sink to avoid clogging your pipes. Use plenty of cold water while it’s running. Cold water keeps any remaining fat and grease in a solid state so they can run down the drain line uninhibited. Running hot water will almost surely cause a blockage farther down the drain line, which will likely require a professional to remove. Avoid overloading your disposal with food. Large food scraps that make it past the disposal blades can pile up in your pipes and cause a blockage over time. Instead, add food gradually with the water running. It’ll take more time, but it’s better for your pipes.

Before doing any maintenance on your water heater yourself, be sure to shut off the power and read your owner's manual. 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. 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 if it's sooty under there, your flue may be clogged, which is a dangerous situation that requires professional attention. At least once every two years, have your water heater inspected by a service technician. He or she will also check the drain valves for signs of leakage and the anode rods for corrosion.