Dallas Plumber | Tips from Todd
Clogged Drain Prevention
1) To avoid clogging drains, use a
drain strainer to trap food particles and hair.
2) Collect grease
in cans rather than pouring it down the drain.
Cleaning the Garbage DisposalFood particles often become
trapped in all the little crevices in garbage disposal and kitchen
drainpipe. This allows mold and bacteria to grow and create
unpleasant odors.
Use one of the following methods at least once
a week to keep your drain free of bacteria and unpleasant odors.
Method 1: Pour one half cup of baking soda
down the kitchen drain. Carefully pour one cup of white vinegar down
the drain on top of the baking soda. Place the drain stopper in the
sink to close off the drain. The mixture will fizz and make a bit of
noise or fizzing sounds. Boil some hot water in a medium size pot
while the fizzing action is taking place, then pour it down the
drain.
Method 2: Using a clean container,
mix a gallon of water with one tablespoon of liquid chlorine bleach.
Carefully and slowly, pour the solution down the drain and allow it
to sit for several minutes. Flush the drain thoroughly with cold
water for several minutes.
What to do if your water heater is
leaking:Step#1: Shut off the
water!
There should be a water shut-off valve located at the top
of the unit where the cold water enters the tank. If there is
no water shut off valve or it does not completely shut off the water
you will need to shut-off the main water feed into the house either
at the house emergency cut-offs or at the water
meter.
Step #2: Shut off the gas valve where
the gas comes out of the wall or turn off the water heater breaker
in the main electrical panel for the house. You will need to
verify which breaker serves the water heater. Hopefully it is
marked properly.
Step#3: Connect a garden
hose to the drain valve for the water heater. This valve
should be located at or near the bottom of the water heater.
Take the garden hose and place the other end outside. Open the
drain valve to begin letting the water drain from the tank through
the garden hose.
Step #4: Open the
T&P (temperature and pressure) relief valve which is
either located on the top of the tank or on the side near the
top. There is a small metal lever that you can pull
open. Pointing this lever straight out from the valve should
hold this valve open. This will allow air into the tank so the
water will drain more quickly from the leaking water
heater.
Step#5: Call Love Field
Plumbing!
**Drain the calcium and other foreign matter from your
hot water heater annually.
Helpful Water Tips:
When traveling out of town for an extended period of time, shut
off the main water service to prevent any unanticipated flooding
while your home is unattended. If a house sitter is there, then make
sure that he/she knows where the shut off is. If you are on a well,
then shut the power off to the pump.
Always keep an eye on
your water bill. If your usage increases without more demand, then
you may have a need for leak detection. This may prevent flooding in
the future. Always remember that small leaks usually turn into big
leaks.
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