Plumbing Maintenance Tips & FAQ’s
Think you have Leak?
Check your water bill for spikes in the consumption. You can do this by checking your historical water consumption from month to month.
Clogged Drains?
Pour a half-cup of baking soda and vinegar down the problem drain. The fizzing means it’s working. Leave in for a few hours and rinse. Do not rinse fats or cooking oils down the drain. Liquid fats will solidify and cause drain clogs.
Toilet Acting Up?
DO NOT flush hard items, paper towels, diapers, feminine product or any other non tissue items down the toilets. For a clogged toilet use a plunger. If that doesn’t solve the problem then you may have a serious clog, so call a professional.
To test to see if your toilet is leaking all you need is food dye. Add the food dye into the tank and then wait a few hours. Come back and check the toilet bowl, if it has streaks of dye stains in the bowl you have a leak.
Fixtures not Flowing?
Trying removing and cleaning your aerators, this should be done every 6 months.
Inspect under sinks for leaks every month. Check that overflows in vanities and tubs are clear of obstructions.
Keep your Garbage Disposal chopping.
Use cold water when running your garbage disposal. Add ice to clean blades. Do not put bones, plastic, cobs or any hard material in your disposal.
Add life to your Water Heater.
Herb Carpenter Ltd. doesn’t recommend working on water heaters unless you are a professional. Water Heaters involve gas and electricity and are not safe unless you are trained to work on them. NEVER work on a water heater unless you turn off the electric breaker first.
Once a year, have your water heater inspected by a service technician. Call Herb Carpenter Ltd. and book an appointment.
Refrigerator Leaking?
Look for the small water line, (capillary line) that goes from the back of your fridge to wall. Look to see if the line is kinking, brittle or leaking. If it is don’t wait another second, this needs to be replaced.
Leaky Washing Machine?
Check your plastic water supply hoses and check for leaks or cracks. You should replace these supplies at least every five years.
