We have 366 days to create new memories as we enter the year 2020.
With brighter prospects and renewed hope, people have come up with their goals and resolutions to make the most out of the year. You might be eyeing some home improvements and renovations. Or maybe you plan to educate the whole family on how to properly use the appliances in your home to save water and electricity. Whatever you plan to do, don’t forget to add these six useful plumbing resolutions to the list.
1. Conduct Plumbing Inspections Regularly
Professional home plumbing inspections are important especially when you just move into a new home, staying in a beautiful vintage house, or your home is surrounded by mature trees. You can opt to conduct these inspections before the beginning of winter or summer. These two seasons bring forth extreme weather conditions that put a toll on your plumbing fixtures.
Here are some benefits of a routine home plumbing inspection:
- You can save money. We identify small plumbing problems early. These might develop into bigger ones if left unattended.
- You will know when to do restorations. We can help determine the lifespan of the fixtures so you can plan your budget ahead.
- It will decrease the possibility of plumbing emergencies. A well-maintained plumbing system can also increase the value of your property.
2. Check Your Flexible Braided Hoses
If maintained properly, flexi hoses can last up to 5 years. However, these are also exposed to corrosion and abrasions with daily use. It is no surprise that flexi hoses are one of the most reasons why houses are flooded. To make sure the fittings are working and the hoses do not have cuts or leaks, you need to inspect its conditions every 6 months.
Pro Tip: When going away for vacation, don’t forget to switch off the water main. You can also advise all members of your family where the shutoff valve is.
3. Do Not Convert Your Toilet Into a Garbage Bin
Blocked toilets disrupt your daily routine. It can be annoying and frustrating when the blockage won’t budge after you have poured down a generous amount of chemicals. It is time to teach the members of your family to put used baby wipes, sanitary pads and toiletries in the garbage bins where these belong. Yes, even those that are labelled “flushable” are not exempted. These materials disintegrate slower and would eventually result in a blocked drain.
4. Replace Old Appliances And Fixtures With Water-Efficient Counterparts
Opt for low flow-rate showerheads and taps. For appliances, check out the water efficiency rating in WELS that you can access online. You will be presented with a range of products and comparisons of the amount of water that you can save under normal or eco operations. This will not only help you save on your water bills, you also help preserve the environment.
5. Let The Experts Handle Major Plumbing Problems
- Frozen Pipes – When pipes are frozen during winter, it is better to call a licensed plumber to thaw the ice and get your pipes working again. This will prevent further damage and excessive leaking.
- Hot Water Installation – For safety purposes, it is best to call your friendly plumber to install your new hot water unit. You would not risk an explosion because of faulty installation.
- Blocked Sewer – This is not an ordinary layman’s job. When you experience multiple blocked drains in your home, you should call a plumber immediately.
Sometimes, a slow flushing toilet or blocked drain can be symptoms of bigger problems. If you are not really confident and inexperienced in this area, it is best to let our licensed plumbers and hot water specialists handle the job for you. We will explain the causes of the problem thoroughly and conduct a home plumbing inspection for free. Contact the Plumbing and Electrical Doctor to start the New Year right.
Joe Evers
