Did you know that the average home has 350 feet of pipe? Stacked horizontally, that’s taller than the Statue of Liberty!
It’s a huge component of your every day life by providing fresh water and removing contaminated waste from your home. Just like other major systems in your home, including ductwork and electricity, the majority of it is generally hidden behind walls and under floors. That can make it difficult to keep everything in good working order, or even spot an issue before it causes damage.
Here are six ways you can keep your home’s plumbing in great shape!
#6: WINTERIZE
When you hear the word winterize, you generally think of outdoor water taps like hoses or outdoor showers, right?
Of course, it is important to winterize the outdoors. Depending on your home, there are quite a few places that can get cold. Crawlspaces, basements, and garages can be staging grounds for frozen pipes and bursts. To prevent future issues with pipes in unconditioned spaces, you’ll need to properly prepare them for the winter.
#5: MAINTAIN YOUR WATER HEATER
One thing’s for sure: things aren’t getting any cheaper. Taking the right steps to maintain the appliances in your home is very important in keeping them working safely and efficiently.
The recommended maintenance is going to vary based on the type of water heat you have. For example, Rostron Premium Home Services uses a different check list when it comes to atmospheric water heaters and tankless water heaters. Proper maintenance always has the same result, though. Your water heater won’t be contributing to issues within your pipes, including water hardness.
#4: MAIN WATER SHUTOFF
Imagine you DO have an issue with the water in your home, like a leaking pipe. The best thing you can do to protect both the plumbing and the rest of your home is shut off the water to your home. If you stop the water flow, it won’t continue to run into your living space and ruin floors and furniture.
Just like anything else, main water shutoffs can get worn down and become brittle over time. They may not be prepared to operate in the event of an emergency. Make sure that your shut off valves work correctly, just in case you really need them!
#3: BE MINDFUL OF WHAT YOU PUT DOWN THE DRAIN
We know sometimes a rogue carrot peel or eggshell falls down the drain. You don’t need to fish it out, but you need to remember that your drain lines are not equipped for things like oil, eggs, or food waste…
Even if you have a garbage disposal.
Be good to your drain lines, and they’ll be good to you!
#2: LEAK DETECTION TECHNOLOGY
We’re always surprised by how quickly the industry advances, and you might be, too. For specific areas, like under a kitchen sink or near a water heater, you might be interested in adding a leak detector. They’re often shaped like small pucks and will shut the incoming water off to a specific pipe if it comes in contact with water. Popular spots include near a water heater or under a specific sink.
There are also whole-house options that are able to detect leaks throughout your home. If the water runs for a significant amount of time at an abnormal rate, the system will protect your home and turn the water off. Whether it be for peace of mind or a discount on your homeowner’s insurance, these devices can assist in all sorts of ways.
#1: ADD WATER TREATMENT
Water treatment comes in many different forms, and often requires an evaluation to determine what the best option would be. Most homes that have city water supplies have the similar contaminants in the water, but in varying quantities.
The best example of an impurity that can cause damage is water hardness. The calcium and magnesium can speed up the degradation process of copper pipes, including oxidation. Hardness can also affect water heaters, as the effects will also be sped up from the heat of the water. From small leaks around the top of the water heater to the bottom fully rotting out and bursting, we’ve seen it all.
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
If you think it might be time to protect your home’s plumbing, feel free to reach out!
Rostron Premium Home Services
732-223-8221
Serving Monmouth and Ocean County
