Plumbing emergencies are inconvenient, sometimes smelly, often costly, and, in many cases, can be avoided. Making and sticking to these plumbing New Year’s resolutions could save you a lot of stress and money.
1. I will know my home’s plumbing basics:
- I know where the water shut-off valve for my house or apartment is, and I will test it to ensure it works.
- I know where my geyser switch is and how to switch it off.
2. I will ensure my geyser is in good working order:
- I will ensure my geyser has a drip tray and there is no evidence of water in it, which could suggest the geyser has leaks.
- I will set my geyser thermostat twice yearly: 50 – 55 degrees in summer and 55 – 60 degrees in winter.
- I will install a geyser-wise timer, which gives error codes if anything happens, such as overheating, burst geyser, or electrical issues.
- I will call my plumber at least once a year to do geyser maintenance.
3. I will save water:
- I will ensure my plumbing has no leaks by checking if my water meter still shows water consumption when all taps, dishwashers and washing machines are not in use.
- I will fit water restrictors on tap aerators and showerheads to save water.
- I will not ignore leaking taps or running toilets and get them repaired quickly.
- I will check appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and plumbed-in fridges for leaks.
4. I will save electricity:
- I will check my electricity bill for unusually high usage, which could suggest my geyser thermostat is too high or faulty.
- I will shut off the electricity supply to my geyser when going on holiday.
- I will install a geyser blanket and insulation lagging to reduce geyser energy consumption.
5. I will prevent blocked pipes, drains and toilets by practicing good plumbing maintenance.
- I will install drain covers in kitchen sinks to prevent food from going down the drains and in bathroom basins, baths, and showers to prevent hair and soap chips from causing clogs.
- I will pour boiling kettle water down the kitchen sink on a regular basis to prevent the build-up of food fats that could cause a blockage.
- I will keep my outside drains cleared of plant debris and sand.
- I will not flush anything besides body waste and toilet paper down the loo.
6. I will find a professional, trusted plumber who you can call for advice or to help with all the above points and who will respond quickly to any plumbing emergencies.
Plumbing it Fine offers an affordable Plumbing Preventative Maintenance contract to ensure the above New Year’s resolutions are adhered to. Call us today!
