Preventative Plumbing Maintenance Tips

When it comes to plumbing, preventative maintenance goes a long way. It is much easier and less costly to learn preventative maintenance rather than emergency plumbing. These seven steps below are featured to help you get the best and safest use from your water reliant appliances.

1. Check the temperature setting on your water heater. It should be set no higher than 120 degrees to prevent scalding and reduce energy use. A temperature hotter than 120 degrees can lead to scalding burns in an instant.

2. Carefully drain several gallons of water from your water heater's tank to flush out corrosion causing sediment. Sediment reduces heating efficiency and shortens the life of the heater. Check your water heater manufacturer‘s website for specific instructions concerning your make and model.

3. Replace hoses on your water heater showing signs of weakness or any hoses that are older than ten years. Use stainless steel hoses wherever possible. They are more reliable and less prone to bursting than other types.

4. Consider replacing a water heater more than 15 years old. (The first four numbers of the serial number represent the month and year it was made.) Newer water heaters are more energy efficient. Consider a tankless water heater which saves on water and energy costs.

5. Check your dishwasher, washing machine, and ice maker's supply hoses for bulges or leaks.

6. Clean out dryer lint trap after every use and place a wire trap or a piece of pantyhose over the end of the hose that drains the washer.

7. Never store flammables around your water heater. Federal safety officials estimate that thousands of fires and explosions result from flammable liquids being stored near the water heater each year. The vapors can accumulate and become ignited by the pilot light.

Contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072 for additional plumbing tips and service for any of your plumbing issues.