The new year is a time when many people resolve to make a fresh start and build better habits. After this past year, we could all use a fresh start— including your plumbing system. So we put together a list of some New Year’s Plumbing Resolutions to help you build some habits that can save you headaches (and wallet aches) down the road.
1. Show your water heater some love
You probably don’t spend too much time thinking about your water heater (especially when it’s working properly) but your water heater needs regular maintenance to perform its best and extend its life. If you have experience with plumbing systems you may be able to flush the system yourself, but if you’re searching for a “how to video” on YouTube, it’s a better idea to call in the professionals. A plumber will be able to make sure your water heater is running properly by flushing the system and getting rid of any buildup or sediment. Even if you have to call a professional, taking care of your water heater can save you money by extending its life.
2. Stop flushing your money
If you’re not sure how old your toilets are, you may have older toilets, which can cost you extra on your water bill. If it’s time to look into getting a new toilet, we can help recommend some efficient, low-flush toilets that can save water and money on your monthly bill— and we can always install it for you too.
3. Keep it flowing
Winter temperatures in Iowa can make your face hurt— so it should be obvious that if your pipes aren’t well insulated, you could end up with burst pipes and serious repair costs. There are a lot of factors that can lead to frozen and burst pipes, but one of the simplest ways to avoid this issue is to make sure your pipes are properly insulated. This is especially true for pipes in unheated areas like your garage, attic or crawlspace. Turning down your thermostat when you are away from home for an extended period of time can be a nice energy saving trick, but you want to always keep it above 55 degrees as this will help keep your water flowing all winter.
4. Be kind to your garbage disposal
We know that your garbage disposal can chop up and dispose of most things you throw down there— but that’s usually a recipe for having to replace your garbage disposal sooner rather than later. Here are a few common things you should avoid putting down your garbage disposal: fat/grease, egg shells, bones, fibrous/stringy items (like corn husks or celery), pits/seeds, coffee grounds, and starchy foods (like pasta, potatoes and rice) which can gunk up your disposal over time.
5. Make a habit of inspecting your system
Most people don’t think about their plumbing system until there is a major problem. But you never know when that tiny, hidden leak could start costing you a lot of money! Having a professional come out to inspect your system might seem like a hassle if you haven’t noticed any issues, but it could also save you money and some huge headaches in the long run.
This year as you focus on resolutions to build better habits, let’s resolve to tackle plumbing issues sooner rather than later— and ideally, before there’s even an issue at all. Keep your eyes and ears open for leaks, drips, noisy water heaters, running toilets etc. So this year, call Hanna at (319) 377-2809 as soon as you think you have an issue with your plumbing and for regular maintenance to prevent plumbing issues in the future.
