Clogged pipes can be a major inconvenience. Whether it’s a slow-draining tub or a severe blockage in your main sewer line, addressing the problem immediately will help prevent further damage. The best way to prevent clogged pipes is to be mindful of what you put down your drains and toilet. Use these tips as a guide:

• Run cold water when using the garbage disposal
• A drain strainer should be used if there is no garbage disposal
• Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain
• After washing dishes, run hot water to rinse away grease
• Clear drain stoppers in shower and bathtub
• Only flush waste and toilet tissue down toilet (no feminine hygiene products)
• Avoid coffee grounds, bones, grease, fruit peels and other fibrous foods in garbage disposal

The typical water heater lasts 8 to 12 years. Routine maintenance will help extend the life of your unit. If you have a traditional tank, draining the water heater once yearly will help rid the unit of sediment and minerals that can settle at the bottom. If your water heater isn’t advanced in age and is showing signs of trouble, give us a call to get your unit running efficiently.

A number of factors go into the best temperature for your water heater. The EPA recommends a setting between 120 and 140 degrees. It’s important to not go below that recommendation as bacteria can grow in water that is too cool, threatening your family’s health. If the temperature is set too high, you’ll waste energy and risk scalding burns with water usage.

In the event of a clogged toilet, a plunger is your best bet. Hot water and dishwater detergent can also help with a small clog. If neither of those methods works, it may be best to leave it to a professional like ourselves to unclog it.

A broken toilet flapper or chain could very well be the source of the issue. If you suspect that your toilet is always running, get it looked at now, because excess water could mean dozens of gallons of wasted water a day.

If you continuously have problems with your toilet, it may be time to replace it. A few signs that it’s time to replace your toilet include:

• Continuous clogs
• Multiple flushes after each use
• Age (toilets 10 years or older aren’t energy efficient)
• Ongoing leaks

If you think you have a hidden leak in your home, go out to your water meter and record the level that it’s currently displaying. Make sure no one uses any water (flushing toilets, using sinks, taking showers, etc.) for a few hours, then go back and check the meter again. If the level has changed from when you checked it before, you probably have a leak...give us a call right away!

Damage caused by broken pipes is one of the most common homeowners insurance claims. Most insurance companies will cover damage caused by leaking or burst pipes if the damage wasn’t preventable. There are steps you can take to avoid broken pipes or leaking appliances:

• Ensure tubs and showers are caulked and sealed properly
• Inspect for leaky faucets indoors and outside
• Insulate pipes if you live in a cold climate
• Routinely inspect appliance hoses on your dishwasher or washing machine and replace as needed

Check your valve. It’s usually in the basement or on an outside wall in a utility area of the house. You can turn it off by turning it clockwise, which will cut off the water supply for the entire house.

A clogged shower head is usually the source of weak shower pressure. Sometimes, the culprit is a leaky valve. If you’re not sure, be sure to contact us so we can assess the situation for you.

Yes, there are quite a few things that could damage your garbage disposal if you try to grind them up. Fibrous foods, including celery, asparagus, and artichokes can wrap around the blades and choke them. In addition, you should avoid putting down:

• Potato skins
• Bone fragments and eggshells
• Banana peels
• Fats / grease
• Unpopped popcorn kernels
• Onion skins
• Fruit pits and seeds
• Stringy vegetables like asparagus and celery