Homeowners know that there are always items on their home maintenance to-do list. But that is all part of owning a home. The more time and care you put in, the more enjoyment you should get from the ownership experience. And there is another significant benefit to all those simple tasks. You avoid some very costly repair bills. When it comes to your home’s plumbing, just a few minutes can save you a massive amount of frustration and mess, as well as some costly repair bills.
Take A Quick Tour
Investing a few minutes each month touring your home can reap some fantastic benefits. All you are really doing is looking for signs of leaks or any potential sources of water damage. Each month, this proactive tour keeps you aware of any fixtures, pipes, or hoses that could be nearing the end of their life. So you can make replacements before you are faced with a costly flood.
Start outside and walk around the house, inspecting the edge of the foundation. Note any new cracks, moisture, or washed-out soil. These are all early indications of a water leak. Call your plumber immediately to avoid more costly damage and repairs if you see any of these items. Also, check any hose bibs, faucets, or other water fixtures in your yard for signs of leaks. Even a moist area under a home could indicate a leak that will only get worse. Simple repairs to hoses and spigots can be done in just a few minutes, typically with a new washer or Teflon tape.
Next, head indoors to inspect all the fixtures for drips or other signs of trouble. Be sure that you are looking under the sinks for indications of drips from the water supply lines and drains. Next, it is on to the appliances to check the water supply hoses to the dishwasher, washing machine, and fridge ice maker. If any hose looks dried out, brittle, or cracked, replace them to avoid a flood.
When checking appliances, be sure to take a look at your water heater. Many homeowners forget this essential item. Look for signs of corrosion on the holding tank that could quickly turn into a water leak. If there is any moisture on the floor near this unit, call a licensed plumber to locate and repair any leaks before they cause damage.
More Water Heater TLC
Another important task on your plumbing to-do list should be an annual drain and flush for the holding tank. All water contains trace amounts of minerals that will build up inside the holding tank of your water heater. When the sediment covers the heating element, it will decrease the unit’s energy efficiency and result in cooler hot water. If left too long, the minerals will begin to degrade the water heater holding tank and result in the failure of the appliance. But all of this hassle and expense can be avoided with a simple drain and flush each year.
Being proactive when it comes to your home’s plumbing is just a smart and cost-effective choice. You never know when disaster will strike, and you could be without hot water, a flushing toilet, or have a flood in your home. However, when you invest a little time in a few simple tasks, it is easy to know when these critical components need to be replaced without waiting for that catastrophic flood to occur. Call (406) 760-1818 for assistance from the licensed plumbers at 911 Plumbing and Heating when you discover any issues that require the expertise of a professional. Our prices are always reasonable, and we warranty all of our work.
