How to Maintain Your Home’s Plumbing in Kelseyville, CA
Winterize your plumbing system
If you have a summer home, or a cabin you do not use in the winter time, it is essential that you consider winterizing your plumbing system. First, turn off the main valve for your water supply and then switch on all faucets in the home and ensure you empty out as much water as possible. Turn off power or gas supply to your water heater, and empty any toilet tanks and bowls of their water.
Install the Right Equipment
Inspecting your pipes and faucets regularly is a good habit. Ensure you replace pipes and faucets that are damaged, old or rusty with new lead-free fittings. Old pipes contaminate water and lead to other issues in your home’s plumbing system. Lead-free faucets and pipes are corrosion resistant, heat resistant and are safer to use. Contact your plumbing company in Kelseyville, CA to replace your old fittings with new improved ones.
Sanitize Your Sinks and Drains
If your drains and sinks are giving an unpleasant odor, make sure you sanitize them. Dirty sinks often become smelly. To sanitize sinks and drains, use a spoon full of baking soda or rub half lemon into the sink. Lemon and baking soda are environmental friendly resources that help to keep your sink clean and sanitized.
Tips for Maintaining Drains and Sewers in Kelseyville, CA
Avoid Clogged Drains
Blockages and clogs are the main causes of sewer line repairs and they are completely avoidable. First, avoid putting anything your drain is not designed to handle. This includes thing like napkins, sanitary towels, paper towels among others. If you have a child, ensure they do not put small objects in the drains, such as clothing, toys or food. In the kitchen, avoid putting grease and other food wastes down the drain.
Limit Root Problems
Roots are another problem for sewer systems that be avoided through preventative maintenance. Trees and shrubs should be planted away from the sewer line. Ensure you know where your sewer line is located and remove any plants with extensive root system nearby. In addition, keep all root system properly watered. Roots tend to extend towards pipes if they are looking for a water source.
Cover Drain Openings with Screens or Drain-grates
Covering your drains’ opening with screens or drain grates helps to minimize problems with hair and soap scum. Visit your local plumbing supply store and discover the appropriate choices for your particular fixture.
Tips for Maintaining Water Heaters in Kelseyville, CA
Examine Your Pressure Valve
Both electric and gas water heaters have a safety device known as a temperature and pressure relief valve. When the tank over pressurizes, the relief valve opens and releases the pressure. If the valve does not function properly, the tank can over pressurize and explode. If the pressure relief valve is not working, turn of the electricity to the water heater or switch off the gas to extinguish the pilot. Shut off the cold water inlet to the heater and replace the valve appropriately. It is recommendable that you hire a water heater professional to do the replacement for you.
Regularly Flush the Tank
Sediment accumulates in the water heater’s tank over time. This build up reduces the unit’s energy efficiency and also clog your water line. To avoid these issues and enhance the lifetime of your water heater, consider flushing it each time you check the pressure valve.
Constantly Examine the Unit for Leaks and Drips
Most leaks are caused by a faulty water supply connection. Use proper methods, good materials and check your work carefully. Compression fittings are easy to install for DIYers than copper piping, which need to be soldered. Drips from temperature and pressure relief valve discharge pipes usually mean a thermal expansion tank is required.
Tips for Maintaining Tankless Water Heaters in Kelseyville, CA
Flush the System to Remove Mineral Build Up
Overtime, tankless water heaters accumulate minerals in the tank’s heating chamber. To get rid of these minerals, flush the unit regularly, usually once a year. The steps involved will vary by manufacturer, but the procedure entails attaching a hose and flushing the tank with vinegar.
Clean the In Line Screen Filter
Another tankless water heater maintenance task entails cleaning the in-line screen filter to get rid of accumulated debris. The filter is located on the inlet fixture on the cabinet. Unscrew the plug to remove the filter. Rinse the filter and reinstall it on the unit.
Maintaining System for Water Treatment in Kelseyville, CA
The best way to avoid repairs is to schedule regular maintenance for your water treatment system. With routine maintenance, you will not have to worry whether your water treatment system is working or not working properly. Apart from professional maintenance visits, there are things you can do on your own to keep your system function optimally. For instance, many filters need to be changed on a regular basis. The plumber who installs can show you how to this and inform you how often you have to do it. Core maintenance practices include:
- Cleaning should be done regularly to remove the dirt that accumulates in the systems. Read the instructions in the manual keenly to avoid messing with the system.
- Filters should be replaced if you to continue having high quality water. The frequency of replacement depends on the rate of usage and the quality of water from suppliers.
- Replace water softeners after salts are depleted. Damaged softeners will make water to have a bad taste and odor.
- Tips for Maintaining Your Septic Systems in Kelseyville, CA
Inspect the System
Monitor your septic system annually to ensure it is not an early warning level. Check the drain field and down slope areas for wet spots, odors and surfacing of sewage. Also schedule an appointment with a licensed septic tank professional every three to five years.
Protect the System from Damage
Keep traffic, such as livestock, heavy equipment and vehicles from the drain field or replacement areas. The pressure can compact the soil or damage the piping. In addition, check your septic system’s map before constructing buildings on the property.
Pump the Tank When Necessary
Regular pumping can prevent failures, such as back up and clogging. Though pumping is an expensive activity, consider carrying it out when needed.
These are just some important maintenance tips that can help you prolong the life of your plumbing system. For optimal results, consider hiring an experienced plumber in Kelseyville, CA to perform some core maintenance practices on your behalf.
