Is there such thing as zero plumbing problems? The answer is no. If you really stop to think, plumbing problems are rare for most home and property owners. As a full-service plumbing company, we see nothing but plumbing problems around the clock. The big question is, can we ever have zero plumbing problems? The answer to that is probably not. The real issue lies- Your plumbing is out of sight and out of mind. When was the last time you even thought about servicing your water heater? Have you ever considered checking under your sink and shutoff valves for leaks? Did you ever think about replacing an appliance before seeing its final day?
Don’t Be Content With The Possibility Of An Appliance BreakDown
Some homeowners are entirely content with waiting until their appliance completely breaks down. If you want zero plumbing problems, then start to consider some options. Most homeowners would never carry around an old flip phone or wait ten to fifteen years to replace an old personal computer. Why wait to replace old appliances before the breakdown? For some, getting a new appliance such as a garbage disposal or water heater does not fit the budget, and others don’t see the need. While most of us think technology is limited to our smartphones and personal computers, think again.
New Technology Is For Your Plumbing
Water heaters last 8 to 10 years on average. With maintenance, you can extend the life of your water heater to as much as 15 years. According to EnergyStar.gov, a high-efficiency storage tank gas or electric water heater is 30% more efficient than heaters manufactured ten years ago. Compared to a new water heater purchased under today’s minimum standard. Today’s minimum standards far exceeded the standards ten years ago. By buying a new water heater today, you’ll be well on your way to significant savings.
Technology has not passed up the plumbing industry regarding water heaters, garbage disposals, and other appliances. Consider financing your heater for those home and property owners who don’t have a new water heater in the budget. At Big B’s Plumbing, we have financing. We offer twelve months, same as cash, with quick approval, completed in minutes.
You can eliminate many plumbing issues with practical steps before they become a significant issue
Water heaters can easily get overlooked since they typically work perfectly for years without any maintenance. However, an hour of maintenance once a year will prolong the life of your water heater tank. It will also provide better water heater efficiency and safety. Here’s a couple of suggestions that will keep your water heater operating efficiently.
Water Heater Maintenance Is A Priority To Increase Its Energy Output
First, drain the tank to remove sediments that accumulated at the bottom of the tank. Sediment accumulation reduces the efficiency of your water heater, shortening the lifespan and increasing your energy expenditure. A few gallons of water is generally sufficient to flush away sediments, but always let the water run through the tank until no particles are visible in the bucket. Then, slowly open the drain valve and let the water flow until it’s clean and sediment-free. It doesn’t take much to achieve zero plumbing problems.
Change Your Anode Rod Every Five Years
The degradation of the anode rod is one of the most serious problems with a rusting water heater. The rod is composed of magnesium or aluminum and is designed to fit within the tank. Unfortunately, the chemical composition of our water (hard water) will erode the interior lining of our water heaters. The anode rod will prevent the tank from rusting but should get replaced every five years to prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your heater.
Water Leaks Are Damaging And Could Be Costly If Not Caught Soon Enough
Water leaks are one of the most damaging things that could take place in a home. The damages may be extensive, and the repairs could be costly. Therefore, it’s crucial to know where the home’s shutoff valve is located because you’ll never know when you’ll experience a plumbing emergency.
For Zero Plumbing Problems, Replace Your Shutoff Valves Every Five Years
Other water shutoff valves get installed below each sink in your bathroom, kitchen, and behind your toilets. These shutoff valves are called compression valves, and you should replace them every 8 to 10 years. Unfortunately, they rarely ever get turned off, so when they do, they tend to leak. As a rule in keeping zero plumbing problems, make sure you turn your compression valves on and off a couple of times every couple of months to prevent them from sticking. Although most homeowners are aware of these water shutoffs, they are seldom used unless the water needs to be shut off. Every homeowner should be aware that most houses come with compression valves, and they are not built to last forever. To keep with zero plumbing problems, replace your shutoff valves every 8-10 years before they begin to leak.
Zero plumbing problems? Not a chance!
With some practical steps, you can eliminate many plumbing issues before they become significant issues.
- If your water heater is ten years old, replace it and start saving.
- Garbage disposals have a life expectancy of ten years. Replace it before problems occur.
- Once a month take 15 minutes to check under your sinks for water leaks. If you run your hand on the bottom of the sink shelf and you feel moisture or the wood itself has a swollen area, then you have a leak.
- Check shut off valves for water leaks and replace them every 8-10 years.
- Upgrade shower heads to the new low flow shower heads and faucets.
- Replace toilets with the 1.3 or 1.6-gallon per flush toilets.
Take it slow and complete one project at a time.
