Avoid Leaks

The impact of a tiny leak can be astounding. Barely perceptable leaks from the sink or an outside hosebib can waste thousands of gallons of fresh water - and cost you hundreds of dollare in excess water bills (if you are not on a well). If you have a leak that you know of, get it repaired before you throw more money down the drain! A common leak you hear more than see, is the toilet chain which can sometimes hang leaving the flapper open and the water flowing. If you ever flush the toilet and hear the water running well beyond the time it should be - open the tank backing and adjust the tension on the chain (removing any dangling chain that might impede the closure of the flapper.)

Water Heaters

If you have a traditional tank water heater, over time sediment builds at the bottom of the heater. That sediment impedes the performance of the water heater by acting like an insulator between the heating core and the water. Have a professional check this yearly. A plumber should check the drain valve for signs of leakage, and the annode rods for corrosion.If your water heater is gas, do a burner inspection. Color is the indicator. A healthy flame will appear blue with yellow tips. If the flame is mostly yellow or if you see a layer of carbon buildup or soot - the flue may be clogged. Call a professional to investigate this situation if ever noted. When a water heater springs a leak - it is in the housing. It is at that point beyond repair and must be replaced. Most tank units will last 15 to 20 years before this problem occurs. If you have an older tank water heater, a newer units efficiency will most likely pay for itself in just a few years from fuel savings alone!

Washing Machines

Rubber suply lines tend to wear, corrode and burst - leaving a mess to clean. Change them out for stainless braided steel hoses to protect your home.

Refrigerators

f you have an older refrigerator, you can save as much as half your operating cost (electricity) with a new Energy Star rated unit. f you have a water filtration unit attached to your fridge, make sure to change it in the requested timeframe. The filters become ineffective beyond their useful life and are not serving you once they have exceeded their usable life span.

Sump Pump

Check your sump pump to make sure it's in working order before the heavy spring rains begin. Watch for build-up of sand or other debris in the sump pit. This can jam the pump and burn out its motor. Make sure the pump's discharge pipe is not clogged. Hook up a garden hose to the connection point. If water runs through the other end, the pipe is okay. Consider getting a battery-operated back-up sump pump if your pump has been overloaded in the past from heavy rains.

Gutters

Keep rain gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and other debris. Water overflowing from blocked gutters collects around your home's foundation and can seep into your crawlspace or basement.

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