Don’t Let Plumbing Problems Spoil the Start of Your New Year
As the end of the year approaches, homeowners must prioritize completing their plumbing tasks. Problems, such as leaky faucets, low water pressure, slow-moving drains, or malfunctioning water heaters, can be a plumbing task resolved before the new year begins. Failure to address significant plumbing duties not only causes inefficiency and inconvenience to your plumbing system but also has the potential to result in expensive repairs down the line. Plumbing plays an integral part in our everyday existence. Don’t let this year end with unfinished plumbing tasks; take action now and make the necessary repairs and maintenance for a worry-free start to the new year.
Top 4 Realistic Plumbing Tasks to Do Before the New Year Starts
As the new year approaches, taking proactive steps to secure the functionality and longevity of your plumbing system is a wise investment of your time. However, from a practical standpoint, how do we check our plumbing system? Here are the top 10 plumbing tasks to consider before the new year starts:
#1 Inspect for Water Leaks: 10% of All Homes in the U.S. Have a Water Leak
From a realistic view, most of us don’t walk around our homes looking for water leaks. But many of us are guilty of putting off that toilet repair or fixing that outdoor spigot. While we cannot visibly see any water leaks, 10% of all homes in the U.S. have a water leak, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). So, from a practical standpoint, take a couple of minutes and inspect faucets, pipes, and appliances for any signs of leakage.
Your Water Meter Has a Leak Detector Dial
The best way to cover all your bases is to check your water meter. Turn off all the water in your home, including dishwashers, washing machines, and any other water-using appliance. Open your water meter and locate the spinning wheel or triangle dial; if they stopped spinning, you should be good. However, if the leak indicator is still spinning, you have an unseen water leak in or around your home. Take your search a step further and shut off the water to your irrigation. If the leak indicator stops, then your leak is isolated to your irrigation. If it continues, then it’s in your home. Take swift action to address any leaks before they raise their ugly heads during the holidays.
Checking for water leaks, especially in older homes, should be done every two months. The process takes 15-20 minutes but can save a homeowner from some real headaches down the road. Checking for leaks is a must-do plumbing task before the holidays hit.
#2 Test Your Water Pressure Every Other Month–––It Takes a Couple of Minutes
The last thing we think about is the water pressure in our home unless, of course, we are experiencing it firsthand. Some homes have high water pressure without the homeowner knowing about it. Sometimes, we may think our high water pressure is a luxury. Think again! High water pressure damages our plumbing system, and most homeowners don’t know it. You can purchase a small tool called a water pressure gauge at your local home center or online for less than ten dollars. The tool fastens to your outdoor spigot closest to your incoming water supply line.
The Plumbing Task is as Easy as Fastening a Hose to Your Spigot
You don’t even need to be a do-it-yourselfer to check your water pressure. Once you connect the water pressure gauge to the faucet and turn it on all the way, it will give you your water pressure. The pressure should be between 45-65 pounds per inch (psi). If not, you may need to call your plumber to diagnose the problem. Water pressure problems are a bit tricky and could be one of a variety of issues.
Avoid the inconvenience of low water pressure and avoid the dangers of high water pressure, especially before the holidays. High water pressure can cause your appliances to malfunction and your pipes to leak. So make checking your water pressure your next plumbing task before the new year.
#3 Clean Slow-Moving Drians in Your Bathrooms: a Plumbing Task You Won’t Regret
I think most of us can agree that those slow-moving bathroom drains often get put off for another day–––that’s why they’re slow-moving. Black slime develops in our bathroom drains from bathroom products, such as hair gel, soap scum, toothpaste, shaving cream, and phlegm. It creates a bacteria called black slime, and hair gets attached to it as it goes down the drain. Over time, it begins to clog our shower and bathroom drains.
The issue is as common as sliced bread and could be avoided using a drain maintenance gel or a baking soda and vinegar mixed flushed with a kettle of hot water. Do this to heavily used drains once every couple of weeks to avoid the inevitable.
No Need for a Plumber, It’s a Plumbing Task Any Homeowner Can Accomplish
While you’ll hear a hundred different ideas online on how to clear a slow-moving drain, the best way is to remove the stopper in the sink. You’ll have a clear shot at clearing any drain when removing the stopper. The problem with most drains is hair mixed with black slime that creates a nasty ball, causing the drain to clog. Once you expose the drain, you can use a coat hanger with a hook at the end to pull out the clog–––it’s usually a nasty ball of hair that comes right out. Then, run hot water down the drain. Since black slime is a growing bacteria, clean your drain with a household cleaner and a toothbrush.
How To Remove the Stopper
First, if you have never removed a stopper, carefully track how you removed it so you can easily assemble it.
- Remove the spring clip from the clevis strap.
- Then, remove the clevis strap from the pivot rod.
- Now, you’re free to remove the stopper from the sink.
This is the fastest, easiest way to remove a clog from your bathroom sink. No one wants to see a slow-moving sink, so make it one of your must-do plumbing tasks before the end of the year.
#4 Check Water Heater: Realistic Maintenance Tips for Every Homeowner
The last thing we want moving into the new year is an issue with our water heater. While it sits in the corner of our garage and rarely gets any love, it’s about time we gave it a second look, especially if you have company coming in for the new year. Can you imagine having your guest take a cold shower? You have nothing to worry about if your water heater is under eight years old and has seen regular maintenance. However, you’re not alone if it has sat in your garage for years without care. So before you usher in the new year, consider flushing your heater, and if it is more than four years old, have the anode rode checked. Many manufacturers require maintenance to keep your warranty valid. So, make your water heater maintenance another plumbing task as we start ushering in the new year.
#5 Consider a Realistic Plan to Replace Old Appliances
Another thing to consider when starting the new year is replacing old appliances. This may be asking much; not every homeowner has the deep pockets to replace old appliances. However, two appliances stand out: our garbage disposal and our water heater. If your water heater is hanging on by a thread, maybe it shows signs of rust. Consider your options and do your water heater research now. Water heaters manufactured today can save as much as 34% in energy costs over heaters that are ten years old. So, you may not have the resources now, but planning is everything. You might want to consider BIG B’s financing of 0% interest for nine months or other offers starting at 8.99%.
#6 Replace Your Garbage Disposal
Next, we have our old garbage disposal that needs replacing, but we want to hold off until it has seen its final grind. Ask anyone whose garbage disposal broke down, and they’ll tell you it came at the worst time. Unlike a water heater, your garbage disposal doesn’t need to break the bank. It’s a very affordable appliance, so replace it before it finally gives up the ghost. The latest technologies for the latest garbage disposals are amazing, including energy efficiency, better grinding, and very quiet.
New Year, New Habits: Eco-Conscious Plumbing Tips for a Greener Home
Embrace a sustainable New Year by adopting eco-friendly plumbing resolutions. Save water, money, and the planet with simple changes like installing low-flow toilets and showerheads. Make a shift to biodegradable cleaning products to minimize your ecological footprint. Take it further by composting food waste for nutrient-rich garden compost. Explore recycling water for gardening, maximizing this precious resource. These impactful changes create a greener, more sustainable home, contributing to a responsible and eco-conscious future. Join the movement towards eco-friendly living and let your plumbing resolutions pave the way for a sustainable 2024.
Should I Hire BIG B’s Plumbing for Year-End Tasks?
Opting to hire a licensed, insured, and bonded plumbing company such as BIG B’s Plumbing for your year-end plumbing tasks brings numerous advantages. Their expert skills and experience ensure that your plumbing system receives precise and thorough attention, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
BIG B’s Plumbing is committed to delivering long-term solutions, ensuring that homeowners can welcome the new year with the security of having a well-maintained plumbing system. This blog post sheds light on the benefits of professional plumbing services. It offers practical tips to empower homeowners to make informed decisions when selecting the right plumber to meet their specific needs.
