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Below are some plumbing tips and tricks
we’ve collected over the years. |
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Faucets and Sinks |
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Remove and clean your faucet
aerators annually to ensure an even
flow of water.
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Make sure overflow holes on tubs and
vanity are clear and open to prevent
water damage to floors and ceilings.
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Water Heater |
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Every year, have your water heater
inspected by a service technician.
He or she will also check the drain
valve for signs of leakage and the
anode rods for corrosion.
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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, then
your flue may be clogged which is a
dangerous situation. Contact a
service professional to check it out
immediately.
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Dishwasher |
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Always remember not to overload your
dishwasher.
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Use a lime deposit in the soap tray
to clean dirty racks. Put the
machine on heat dry.
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Toilets |
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At least once a year, check your
toilet for leaks by adding a small
amount of red food coloring to the
tank. Check the toilet bowl later.
If the toilet bowl water is colored
red, then water is seeping through
from the tank. You may need to
replace some parts of the internal
tank in order to stop the seepage.
Toilets are one of the leading costs
of water waste which leads to a
higher water bill.
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Never put chlorine tablets into the
toilet tank. Chlorine causes damage
to flappers and other rubber parts
which lead to inside and outside
leaks.
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Clogs |
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To help prevent clogs, fit all your
tubs and shower drains with a
strainer that catches hair and soap
chips. Clean the strainer regularly.
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Avoid using caustic liquid drain
openers (like Drano or Liquid
Plumber) on a drain that is
completely clogged. The caustic
ingredients can severely damage the
pipes. If you can’t snake the drain
yourself, contact a service
technician.
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You can avoid clogging your garbage
disposal and kitchen sink drain by
running water 10 to 20 seconds after
you're done grinding waste food.
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Garbage Disposal |
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If your disposal stops working,
check the safety button located on
the bottom of the disposal or the
fuse box.
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Occasionally grind ice cubes and add
½ box of baking soda to reduce the
odor in your disposal. Press the
cubes down with a wooden spoon and
not your hand.
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Occasionally grind ice cubes to
sharpen the blades.
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You can extend the life of your garbage
disposal by: |
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Never disposing of things like bones
or corn husks.
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Using plenty of cold water when
running it.
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Never using a caustic drain opener.
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