Maintaining your plumbing and hot water system is vital for keeping an efficient supply of hot water. As the seasons change it’s a good idea to make a checklist for maintaining your plumbing system.
You don’t need a lot of experience with plumbing to accomplish these tasks. We’ve got 6 plumbing tips for hot water systems any homeowner can follow.
Six Plumbing Tips For your Home
1. Flush Your Water Heater
When the weather gets colder, your water heater works harder as the temperatures drop. Flushing your water heater can keep it in good working order.
This is especially true of newer hot water units. Sediment can build up quickly in your water heater. Regular flushing ensures that this sediment doesn’t cause you to lose precious hot water.
2. Schedule a Tune-Up
This one will require the services of a plumbing specialist. Schedule a tune-up once a year for your water heater. This will net you extra years for the life of your heating system.
3. Be Careful What You Flush
Always be mindful of what you flush and put down your drains. Larger items that aren’t paper can severely clog your heating and plumbing system.
Don’t make a habit of flushing large items that can’t be broken down. This can end up being a very costly mistake for a homeowner.
4. Test the Relief Valve
Your water heater’s pressure relief valve should be checked at least once per year. To test, lift the lever and make sure that water flows from the pipe. The water will be hot, so be sure not to burn yourself by touching it.
5. Check for Leaks
Check for leaks around the water heater and other plumbing fixtures. Check the connections of all the pipes and hoses and make sure no water is escaping.
6. Shut-Off Outdoor Faucets
If you’re done using your outdoor faucets for watering, you should shut them off. This helps avoid any potential leaks and problems from freezing pipes leading outside.
Keeping the plumbing in your home in good working order is a vital job for a homeowner. If you encounter a problem too large to fix, don’t hesitate to contact a reliable local plumbing service to assist you.
