Cost-Saving Plumbing Tips Even Non-Plumbers Can Use
304 Meadowlark Dr
Alpine UT 84004
801-960-1564
Showerheads – Weak or changing water pressure usually
points to a mineral buildup in the showerhead. Clean the outlet holes
with a pin or unscrew the faceplate and soak it overnight in vinegar.
Scrub it clean before replacing it on the showerhead.
Scalding Tap Water - Thousands of people are scalded by tap
water every year. The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association
recommends that the full-on hot water temperature at the faucet be set
between 120° and 125° F
Garbage Disposal - Use cold water when the disposal is
operating. You can clean your disposal by grinding ice cubes. When you
disposal needs a little freshening, just grind some lemon peels. Of
course, you should read your maintenance manual.
Water Moisture In The Home – Make sure that vents (with a
ventilating fan) are installed in your kitchen and baths. These rooms
can produce a lot of moisture. Ventilating fans are great but will be of
no use if they are not turned on! So make sure that you use them!
Mildew – You can help to avoid mildew problems with these
preventative actions. Ventilate basements or run dehumidifiers to dry
the air, walls and furnishings. Don’t hang wet clothes in your closets.
Keep your showers and tubs clean of soap-scum so that they dry quicker.
Air-out your bathroom cabinets and kitchen sink cabinet often.
Pipe Insulation - Insulate those pipes before it gets cold!
When temperatures are at or below freezing, running a steady drop of
hot and cold water from your faucets may keep your pipes from freezing.
If your pipes are not insulated, they can freeze even with a small flow
of water. So, insulate those pipes! But beware; insulated pipes can
freeze when there is no water movement to keep the pipes warm.
Roots - Roots can be a big problem. They can grow into the
joints of the pipes. A little "root-x" flushed down the toilet can
reduce the growth of roots in your pipes. It needs to sit in the pipes
overnight, so do it before bed.
The Price You Pay For Neglecting Washing Machine Hoses
Washing machine hoses - those python-like "creatures" that
attach your washer to your water source - are one of the most neglected
and potentially damaging maintenance monsters in your home.
Are
your furnishings, floor coverings and heirloom keepsakes worth more than
$350? The investment of $150 (or less) in new washing machine hoses is
well worth avoiding the costly damage, messy inconvenience, and loss of
irreplaceable treasures that can happen when your washer's hoses burst
or leak.
Washing machine hoses are under constant pressure when being used
... and failures cause about $150 million in damage each year. To
reduce the chance that your hoses are going to fail, inspect them
regularly.
Preventing Clogged Drains
Preventing Kitchen Drain Clogs - A clogged drain can be so
frustrating; and, of course, it happens more often than we care to think
about! Usually, kitchen sink drains clog because of a build-up of
grease. The grease traps food particles, which eventually clogs the
drain. Now, the bathroom drains are a different story. They are usually
clogged by hair and soap. So, take some simple precautions to avoid this
situation.
1. Don't pour grease down the kitchen sink.
2. Don't wash coffee grounds down the sink.
3. Use chemical cleaners only when necessary. Some chemicals can corrode metal pipes.
4. Clean tub and shower drain strainers that are removable.
5. Clean pop-up stoppers in the bathroom sink and the tub regularly. Lift out sink pop-ups once a week and rinse them off.
6. Every few months, remove the overflow plate on a tub and
pull up the pop-up assembly to reach the spring or rocker arm. Remove
accumulated hair and rinse thoroughly.
7. Keep sewer pipes from the house free of tree roots.
Flush the drain-waste and vent systems when you’re on the roof
cleaning out your gutters. Use your hose to run water into all of the
vents.
