As the New Year approaches, now is a great time to think about ways to improve your home and make any necessary changes. One area that often gets overlooked is your plumbing system. Making a few simple resolutions can help keep your plumbing in good working order and save you money in the long run. Read on for six plumbing resolutions you should make for the New Year!
- Make Sure You Don’t Waste Water:
The New Year is a great time to focus on sustainability and making sure that you’re not wasting water. Keeping track of how much water you are using can help you identify any potential problems like toilet repair in Toronto, and make adjustments where needed.
Replace old, inefficient appliances with newer, more efficient models. Older appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and toilets often use more water than their newer counterparts. Replacing them with energy-efficient models can help reduce your water consumption significantly.
- Don’t Ignore Leaks:
It’s important to pay attention to even the smallest plumbing issues in your home, such as leaks. Even a tiny leak can cause extensive damage if left unchecked. Leaks can occur in any part of your plumbing system, including in your pipes, fixtures, and appliances.
Signs of a leak include wet spots on walls, ceilings, and floors, discoloration on walls, unexplained increases in your water bill, and strange noises coming from your pipes.
A professional plumber in Toronto can help you identify the source of the leak and make the necessary repairs. If you don’t have a plumber on speed dial, be sure to research local providers who offer quality services at competitive rates.
- Remember to Insulate Your Pipes:
Insulating your pipes is an important step in maintaining your plumbing system. Insulation keeps hot and cold pipes from freezing in winter, which can lead to costly repairs. Insulated pipes can also help you save energy by preventing heat loss. In the summer, insulation can reduce condensation and help regulate the temperature of your home.
If you find that your pipes are not insulated, consider getting professional help to do the job properly. When choosing insulation for your pipes, make sure to get a material that’s designed for pipes and water lines.
Once you’ve installed insulation, it’s important to check it regularly for any signs of wear or damage. If your insulation is damaged, you may need to replace it to keep your pipes safe from freezing temperatures.
- Don’t Put These Things Down Your Drain:
Always be mindful of what you put down your drain. Many people don’t think twice about throwing things down their drain without realizing the potential damage it can cause. Below are some common items that should never go down your drain:
- Grease, oil, and fat: These substances congeal in your pipes, eventually blocking them.
- Food scraps: These often become stuck in the pipes, leading to clogs and slow drainage.
- Coffee grounds: The same properties that make coffee grounds attractive for composting also make them likely to clog your pipes.
- Sanitary pads: Not only do these block up your plumbing system, they can also damage sewage treatment plants.
- Hair: This is a major source of clogs, so always throw any hair that collects in the shower into the trash.
- Paper towels and tissues: These are not made to dissolve in water and can lead to blockages.
If you are unsure of what items should not be put down your drain, it is best to contact a licensed plumber for advice. Taking this preventative measure could save you time and money in the long run!
- Schedule Periodic Maintenance:
Periodic maintenance will help you catch potential plumbing problems before they become more expensive or dangerous. It is recommended that you have your plumbing system checked at least once per year.
However, if your home or business is particularly prone to plumbing issues, it is a good idea to schedule maintenance more often. An experienced plumber will be able to identify any issues and fix them quickly, preventing future damage and costly repairs.
Periodic maintenance should include checking for any signs of leaks, inspecting pipes, fixtures and drains. A professional plumber in Toronto will also lookout for these potential issues that may arise from the plumbing system.
- Make Note of the Water Quality:
Water quality is something you should pay attention to, especially when it comes to the plumbing in your home. Contaminants like lead, bacteria, and even chemicals can make their way into your water supply.
If you notice any abnormalities in your water supply, it’s important to take action immediately. Depending on the severity of the contamination, you may need to install a filtration system or replace the pipes leading to your tap water. This ensures that you have access to clean water.
Conclusion: The start of a new year is a great time to make resolutions to better ourselves and our homes. Taking a few simple steps to inspect and maintain your plumbing system can save you time, money, and stress down the line. Make sure you hire a qualified 24 hour plumber in Toronto who can help you deal with all sorts of plumbing issues.