Plumbing Tips for Homeowners
Simple maintenance steps can prevent expensive repairs. Here's what your neighbors' plumber recommends.
Seasonal Maintenance Checklist
Spring Checkup
Check outdoor faucets for freeze damage, inspect exposed pipes, clear drain grates, and test sump pump.
Summer Prep
Check washing machine hoses, inspect water heater for rust, clean aerators, and check for slow drains.
Fall Winterizing
Disconnect hoses, insulate exposed pipes, check water heater before cold weather, know your shutoff valve location.
Winter Vigilance
Monitor for frozen pipes in cold snaps, keep cabinet doors open for warmth, maintain minimum heat if away.
Everyday Tips
Grease solidifies in pipes and causes major clogs. Pour cooled grease into a container and throw it in the trash. Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing.
Inexpensive mesh strainers catch hair in bathroom drains and food in kitchen sinks. They're the easiest way to prevent clogs.
In an emergency, you need to stop water flow fast. Find your main shutoff valve (usually near the water meter or where the main line enters) and make sure everyone in your household knows where it is.
A running toilet wastes hundreds of gallons per day and increases your water bill. Usually it's a simple flapper replacement.
Sediment builds up in water heaters, reducing efficiency and lifespan. Annual flushing keeps it running efficiently.
Still have questions?