Four Plumbing Resolutions for the New Year

It’s hard to believe 2017 is gone and 2018 is here. 2017 seemed to fly right on by, and you may have fallen short on your prior year’s resolutions. As you reflect and look ahead to 2018, adding some plumbing resolutions to your list is a great way to start the New Year off.

1. Give your hot water heater some TLC.

Your hot water heater provides hot water when you take a shower, do dishes, and do laundry. If you have a tank-style water heater, sediment can build up in the bottom of the tank. It is a good idea to have your hot water heater inspected, cleaned, and flushed by a professional plumber.

If your water heater is more than five years old, it could be the right time to upgrade to tankless water heaters, which are much more energy-efficient. In addition, a new tankless heater can help reduce your energy bills.

• TIP: If you opt to keep your tank-based water heater, have it wrapped in a special insulating blanket. This blanket helps slow heat loss from the water heater and how often the heater runs to maintain the desired water temperature inside the tank.

2. Take care of any water leaks, dripping faucets, and slow-draining drains.

If you notice water under your crawl space or in your basement, it often indicates a water leak. Ignoring leaks will not make them go away and can lead to more costly repairs. It is better to have a plumber check for leaks and fix them before they damage the interior structures of your home.

Dripping faucets waste water and indicate a problem with the fixture. Has the existing fixture replaced with a new water-saving one? Not only will the leak be fixed, but you will also notice a reduction in your water bills.

Slow-draining drains indicate a problem with a blockage in the pipes. If you choose to wait until it becomes a clog, it can create a bigger mess in your home. You won’t be able to use your sink, tub, shower, or toilet until you have the clog removed.

3. Upgrade your toilet with a low flush toilet.

You can convert your existing toilet into a low flush style by having the interior flushing components replaced. If the toilet is older, you may want to just upgrade to a new style that already includes these features. Using less water per flush cycle will help lower your water bills.

4. Have the drainpipe on your AC unit

Most central air conditioning units have a drain pipe where the condensation from inside the unit drains away. This drainage pipe can get clogged with dirt and debris. It is a good idea to have it professionally cleaned once a year.

• TIP: Remember to also schedule an annual AC and heating system tune-up at the same time, to ensure your AC and heating unit are operating optimally.

To schedule service for any of the above plumbing resolutions or AC tune-up service for your Houston area home, please feel free to contact MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning at 281-599-3336 today!