May 18th, 2010

Basic Homeowner Plumbing Tips

Dishwasher, Ice Maker and Washing Machine
Run your dishwasher, ice maker and washing machine at night; running at off peak times increases water pressure and conserves water usage.  Clean the lint traps regularly and check hoses for signs of deterioration and weakness.

Disposals
Garbage disposals are a very high maintenance item usually resulting from operator failure.  Garbage disposals are not designed to grind bones, chicken skins, banana peels, coffee grinds, etc.  This type of waste will clog the disposal drain.  Run cold water into the disposal for a short time (15 seconds or so) before and after adding the food scraps.  Use lemon or orange peels in the disposal for a deodorizer – it works great and smells fresh and clean.

Drains
Make sure all drains have strainers. Strainers catch debris such as hair and prevent drains from stopping up.  Grease and cooking oils clog drains; don’t use the drain to dispose of these items.

Floors, Basement and Walls
Loose wall tiles in or near the bathtub area are an indication of water problems.  Locate the source and repair the plumbing as needed.  Sump pumps can be checked by pouring a few buckets of water into the pit.  The pump should kick on, pump out the water and then shut off with no problems.  If you have a basement, a battery operated flood alarm is a good idea.

Outside
Exterior drain areas require regular maintenance.  Check exterior faucets, especially in cold climate areas, for leaks.  If a leak is evident, it could be from a frozen pipe that busted.  Excess standing water might be an indication of a damaged sewer line.  This should be thoroughly checked and repaired immediately for sanitary reasons.  Keep gutter/downspouts free-flowing.  Clean them
regularly and keep them free of debris.

Toilets
Do not flush items down the toilet that will not easily dissolve or break up.  If you suspect a leak you can add a few drops of food coloring to the tank.  If there is a leak the color will show in the toilet bowl in a short time.  Make sure the toilet flushes properly.  If it continues to run after flushing and if you have to jiggle the handle, you may need to replace these parts.  This is a very minor expense and will save you in the long run on a cheaper water bill.

How To and repairs