Regular Maintenance Plumbing Tips for Home Owners
Every home needs regular maintenance to its systems and your household plumbing is no different. A well maintained home plumbing system will provide you with many trouble free years and is often easy to do on your own as part of your annual maintenance program.
Know Where Your Water and Gas Shut Offs Are
We advise that everyone in your household familiarize themselves with the water and gas shutoff valves. In the event of an emergency – such as a major leak or natural disaster – knowing how to stop the leak can prevent further damage. We also recommend clearly labeling your gas and water shutoffs, as it is may not be so easy to remember in an emergency.
If you are unable to find your shutoffs, please give us a call and we will be happy to assist you in locating them and can provide you with tags to label your shutoffs.
If you will be away from your home for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to shut off your water. In the event of a leak or line breakage, this can save thousands of dollars in damages.
Shower Heads Running Slower?
Sometimes shower heads or faucets can become clogged with mineral deposits. This can be a common issue in and around the Cowichan Valley, especially in Cobble Hill around the quarry area. These mineral deposits can reduce the flow of water. Soaking the shower head in a product such as CLR can help to clear such blockages and restore water pressure.
Prevention of Minor Blockages
Some of the most common causes of blockages are food products, grease, hair and feminine hygiene products. Limiting these factors by using sink strainers and never putting grease or feminine hygiene products down your drains will significantly reduce the chances of drain blockages.
If you get a stubborn blockage, we have equipment such as cameras and augers to take care of the problem for you.
Fall Maintenance
It is important to ensure that you detach and drain your outside hoses. Also, shut off the valves to your outside hose bibs and allow water to drain from them before freezing weather arrives. Doing so will prevent cracked pipes that will leak and/or burst when you begin to use them again in the spring. If you would rather not have to worry about doing this task yourself, we can sign you up for our annual maintenance service.