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Plumbing Tips

Water

Water Meter
Periodic checks of your water meter will allow you to spot unusual turns of the meter dial that may signify undetected leaks and will otherwise show up in high water bills.
Cut Water Heating Costs
Tank-less or demand water heaters not only have a longer lifespan than conventional units, but without a tank they heat water on demand, saving the energy that storage water heaters employ to keep a full tank hot.
Leak Detection
If you spot a leaky bathroom plumbing fixture turn off the shutoff valve to close its water supply and save on water. To minimize water damages caused by domestic flooding, close the main shutoff valve in the basement, utility room, or closet.
Toilet Leaks
Spot early toilet leaks by adding several drops of food coloring to the tank. If color begins to appear in the bowl within half an hour then your toilet is indeed leaking.
Sweaty Toilet Tanks (external condensation)
Add several drops of food dye to the tank. After an hour take a white tissue and rub along the bottom of the tank. A color stained tissue indicates a sweaty tank.

Clogs
Cover drain opening in sinks, showers, and bathtubs with strainers to collect debris before it reaches the drainpipe. Regularly clean out strainers.
Drain Cleaning
Customary cleaning of drainpipes and garbage disposals will reduce, if not prevent, expensive plumbing emergencies.
Gas Leaks
Regularly clean out gas ovens from fat, grease and food debris, and have all gas appliances plus the gas water heating system supervised by a professional plumber.

Plastic Pipes
Heat sources will eventually weaken plastic plumbing pipes. Plastic pipe should be installed in cool areas away from heat.
Freezing Pipe
Close water supply to frozen pipes. Relieve plumbing system from trapped water and steam by opening taps. Gently heat frozen section without causing thermal water expansion which can split open the pipe.
Pipe Insulation
Insulate pipes before the cold months to avoid freezing and burst pipes plumbing emergencies.

Garbage Disposal
Disable power before cleaning or repairing the garbage disposal.
D.I.Y Repair
Do it your self plumbing should be supplemented with professional home improvement plumbing tips and guidance. Remember that when in doubt just call for your local plumbing services to tackle the plumbing problem.