1) Check Your Home's Water Lines For Leaks
Leaking pipes waste water and cause water damage. It is important to identify leaks early, before mold and mildew develops. Common leaking water lines can be found in a number of areas in your home, including:
- Underneath kitchen and bathroom sinks
- Cold and hot water heater supply lines
- Kitchen appliances: washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, etc.
- In your basement or crawlspace
If you discover leaking pipes, contact a professional plumber to assess and repair the issue as soon as possible.
2) Perform Routine Maintenance on Water Heater
We detailed the steps to performing water heater maintenance in our previous article. You can read that article here. In summary, water heater maintenance includes:
- Flushing the water heater's storage tank
- Checking the unit's sacrificial anode rod
- Setting the thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit
- Maintaining at least two feet of clearance around the system
3) Examine and Repair Toilets
Running toilets are a nuisance, but did you know it can cost a homeowner as much as $1,000 in water usage over the course of a year. If your toilet is running, or leaking around the base, it is important to contact a plumber as soon as possible.
4) Clean and Repair Garbage Disposal
Over time, garbage disposals can begin to emit an unpleasant odor. The process for cleaning your garbage disposal is simple: Run water through it for thirty seconds, pour about half of a cup of baking soda into it, add one cup of vinegar and allow it to soak for thirty seconds, and after ten minutes, carefully pour a pot of boiling water into the drain.
If you are uncomfortable cleaning your disposal, or it requires more significant repairs, contact a professional plumber.
5) Check Your Basement or Crawlspace for Moisture
Moisture from humidity, condensation, or leaking pipes can lead to the development of mold. Once it forms, mold can spread quickly through walls and flooring, and be difficult and costly to remove. Correcting the source of the moisture is key to preventing or removing mold.
As you perform plumbing maintenance, you may discover more significant plumbing repair needs. We are here to help. Contact Barlow plumbing for repair and installation in Asheville and surrounding areas.