Western Colorado Plumbing Maintenance Tips
ProRooter is committed to providing high-quality plumbing services to the Western Slope of Colorado. Water heaters, garbage disposals, drains and plumbing systems that are inspected and maintained have a longer life-cycle, save energy and perform better over time. Check out our plumbing maintenance tips for all your water-based appliances and plumbing systems.
Water Heaters
Understanding Your Water Heater
Traditional water heaters store and preheat 30-50 gallons of water in a tank, ensuring hot water is available when needed. Regular maintenance is essential to extend its lifespan and maintain efficiency.
Water Heater Maintenance Tips:
- Inspect the valve and set the temperature to a safe level.
- Check the anode rod annually – replacing this rod can prevent corrosion and extend the life of your tank.
- Flush the tank annually to remove sediment and debris that can reduce efficiency.
- Consider adding insulation to minimize heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns and ensures your water heater operates efficiently for years to come.
Garbage Disposals
Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips
- Run Cold Water While Using – Always use cold water when running the disposal to help solidify grease and flush waste efficiently.
- Avoid Hard or Fibrous Foods – Do not put bones, fruit pits, corn husks, celery, or onion skins in the disposal, as they can damage the blades or cause clogs.
- Cut Large Scraps into Smaller Pieces – Break down large food scraps before putting them into the disposal to prevent jamming.
- Flush with Baking Soda and Vinegar – Pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain monthly to break down buildup and keep the disposal fresh.
- Never Use Harsh Chemicals – Avoid bleach or drain cleaners, as they can corrode the disposal’s components over time.
- Clean the Blades Safely – Run ice cubes through the disposal to help sharpen the blades and remove built-up debris.
Home Plumbing Systems
Home Plumbing Systems – Checking your toilets, sinks and pipes annually can help you prevent big problems and terrible inconveniences. An annual self-inspection should include the following:
- Check drains for even flow and clean buildup if necessary.
- Test your toilet by adding food coloring to the tank, waiting a few hours, then checking the water in the bowl. If the water in the bowl is colored, you may need to replace the tank ball.
- If no one in your home takes regular baths, fill the tub about three-fourths full then open the drain. The pressure from the water will help clear the drain and prevent clogs.
- Examine the main water shut-off valve. Open and close the valve annually to make sure it is not stuck in the open position. In case of a water emergency, make sure everyone in the home knows where the main water valve is and that the first step to stop leaks is to shut it off.
Seasonal Maintenance
Checking pipes, faucets, and drains in the fall and spring can prevent serious problems related to temperature changes. Avoid breaks and leaks that can lead to costly repairs with these simple inspections:
- Washing machines can be a source of costly repairs and water damage if hoses break or crack. Make sure to check hoses for bulges as the seasons change and remember to change hoses about every three years.
- Frozen pipes are one of the most dangerous winter plumbing problems. Check the water pressure in your home after the first night of below-freezing temperatures. The first sign of a frozen pipe is restricted water flow. If a frozen pipe bursts, call Pro Rooter for professional assistance.
- Disconnect all garden hoses and drain outdoor pipes before temperatures reach the freezing point. Disconnecting hoses prevents frozen water from backing up into your home.
- Check hoses and faucets in the spring for leaks.
- Always keep your home above 55° to avoid the costly repairs of frozen sewer pipes.
- Check your sump pump and the sump pump discharge line to make sure everything is working properly. Breaks in the line or blockage around the drainage area can cause freezing or flooding in your home.
- Check your dishwasher and make sure to clean the filter periodically to prevent clogging. Adding rinse-aid can also help your dishwasher clean more effectively.
Drain Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning all the drains in your home and inspecting them on a regular basis can prevent messy backups and costly repairs. At Pro Rooter, we are equipped to handle all sorts of drain clogs, from your kitchen sink to your bathtub drain. We also offer Bio-Clean, a natural enzyme-based drain treatment that helps break down organic waste and prevent buildup, keeping your drains flowing smoothly without harsh chemicals. Avoid drain malfunctions with these easy maintenance tips:
- Kitchen Drains – Kitchen sinks drain non-water substances every day, like grease, food waste, and soap. These substances can build up in your kitchen sink drain, causing slower draining over time and eventual clogging. Make sure to avoid putting eggshells, instant mashed potatoes (or any other “just add water” foods), celery, cornhusks (or other “stringy” foods), pasta, and rice down your drain. Always run cold water for 15 seconds every time you use your garbage disposal to help prevent clogs.
- Toilet Drains – Plunging the toilet is never a fun task. To avoid toilet clogs, never put anything other than toilet paper in the toilet. Even facial tissues and feminine products can clog toilets in older homes. If your toilet requires frequent plunging, call Pro Rooter for a professional inspection.
- Shower and Tub Drains – Installing a mesh strainer in your shower or tub drain can help catch hair and soap scum that could slow the draining of your tub. Make sure to clean the strainer regularly. If the drain does become clogged, call Pro Rooter for a professional drain cleaning.
- Bathroom Sink Drains – Soap and toothpaste can cause clogs in the bathroom sink. Make sure to run cold water down the drain after you wash your hands and face and after brushing your teeth to avoid buildup. If you lose jewelry in the bathroom sink, stop running water immediately. Pro Rooter should be able to retrieve your jewelry as long as the water flow has been stopped.
Faucet and Pipe Leaks
A leaky faucet may seem like a small problem, but waiting can turn it into a huge and expensive repair. Likewise, an unnoticed leaky pipe can cause water stains and mold to build up in your home. Make sure to inspect all faucets and exposed pipes annually to avoid costly repairs. Here’s what to look for:
- Check pipes below kitchen and bathroom sinks for signs of leakage such as water stains and mold. If you suspect a leak, call Pro Rooter right away.
- Check pipes for signs of corrosion that could cause breaks or leaks in the future. Discoloration of pipes or connections may indicate corrosion.
- Turn on each faucet and inspect the handles and valves for water flow. Make sure water stops completely when the faucet is turned off and does not continue to drip.
- Make sure to check the shower faucets in your home for leaks and pressure. Low water pressure may be a symptom of sediment buildup that can be fixed with basic maintenance of the shower head.
- Flush each toilet in your home and make sure the water does not continue to run excessively after flushing. Also check the handle to make sure the flushing mechanism is functioning properly.
- Check for broken or missing tiles in the shower. If you notice any problems, call Pro Rooter for a professional inspection. The cause of tile damage may be from a pipe leaking inside the walls of your home.
- Check your lawn for unusually lush spots, which can form from broken or leaky pipes under your home. This can cause backup of water into your home during winter and major spikes in your monthly water bill.
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