Instructions on how to plan for a healthy new year

This New Year, did you set an intention on providing a healthier home to yourself and your loved ones? Creating a maintenance plan for your plumbing system early in the New Year can save you a big headache, and a lot of money, later in the year.

Follow these instructions and tips on how to take proper care of your drains and pipes this year:

Flush Your Water Heater Annually

Over time, sediment can build up on the bottom of your water heater. Water enters the top of the tank and heads toward the bottom via the dip tube, bringing hard sediment to the bottom where it tends to settle.

Having your water heater flushed out by a professional removes this hard build-up. The results can improve the energy efficiency of a water heater by taking away the need to heat up an extra layer of sediment along with your water.

Practice Preventative Maintenance for Healthy Water Filtration

Water flows into and out of your home daily. Maintaining adequate water filtration includes inspecting your drains and faucets, along with the quality of your water. Try the following tips to prevent any urgent issues regarding healthy water filtration in the future:

• Remove Hair Clogs: Hair falling out in the shower is a normal occurrence that can cause major clogs if not dealt with. Once a week, remove the cover of your shower drain and use a pair of tweezers to remove any hair that may have built up throughout the week.
• Test Your Water: Use an at-home testing kit, or take a sample of water into a professional lab to ensure the quality of your water. Installing a water filtration system in your home’s plumbing system can provide your house with clean and safe water, every day.
• Clean Your Faucets: If you notice low water pressure in any of your faucets, chances are, there is sediment built up on the screen of your aerator (the end of your faucet). To resolve this issue, remove the aerator and screen from the end of the faucet. Soak the screen in hot white vinegar for about ten minutes. This should remove any excess sediment from the screen, bringing adequate water pressure back to your faucet.

Keep Your Drains Clean

Dirty drains are safe harbors for unhealthy bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella. These bacteria thrive in moist, dark, damp places where raw animal proteins have been. Be mindful of what goes down your drains, and try to ensure that no oils, fats, or large food particles enter the pipes. If you notice any of the following symptoms of a clogged drain, or cannot clean your drains by yourself, contact a plumber immediately:

• Water backs up the drain when the faucet is turned on.

• There is slow (or no) drainage in your sink.

• Your kitchen or bathroom sinks are emitting foul odors.

• Your toilet is beginning to overflow.

To further prevent any harmful bacteria from growing and clogs from forming in your pipes, cover your kitchen drain with a straining cover to keep large pieces of debris from entering your plumbing system.

If you’re seeking professional plumbing advice in the Round Lake, IL area, call (815) 781-2567 to make an appointment with Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, and Drainage Inc.