Ready to Make Your Move?Whether it is the kitchen sink backing up or the bottom of the water heater rusting out, stories of plumbing nightmares abound. Plumbing issues affect homes in all price ranges, unfortunately, from homes in Baker and Berkeley to Wheat Ridge and Westminster. Often, these nightmares could have been avoided entirely with preventative measures or preemptive moves on a homeowner’s part. Here is a short list of simple tips to help you stay ahead of the many possible plumbing issues that could be lurking in your home.
Know where your house’s main water shut off is and how to use it
The quickest way to avert a flooding disaster in your home (regardless of what caused it) is to shut off all the water to your house. No water equals no flood, right? After that, call your plumber and have them come out to assess the issue.
Check on the condition of your water heater
Most residential water heaters last around ten years and have a date of installation marked on them. Check that, and check the water heater itself. Rust near the bottom is a sure sign you need to replace it.
Don’t just glance through your water bill
Make sure you study the bill carefully each time it comes in and make a note of what you’re actually using versus the usage noted on the bill. A high water bill without explanation could mean a leak somewhere in the house, and it is always better to catch these issues sooner.
Regular maintenance and inspections
While no one likes to call a plumber unless there is a problem, having one come out to do regular maintenance and inspections on your plumbing and sewer lines will help you catch a plumbing issue before it becomes an emergency. Plus, the earlier the issue is noticed, the easier (and cheaper) it usually is to fix it.
Winterize your pipes
Any pipes outside or on external walls are vulnerable to freezing. Be sure walls are well-insulated. On especially cold days, open cabinet doors to ensure heat gets to pipes, such as under the kitchen sink. If you go out of town during winter, make sure your heat doesn’t go below 55 degrees. Disconnect garden hoses; if they freeze, they can burst a pipe. Also consider installing a faucet insulator for outdoors. If you have an outdoor kitchen, make sure to winter it, too!
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