From one of our favorite inspectors in the Charlotte metro area, Eric Dorman with Pillar to Post, comes the following advice about maintaining your home's plumbing system to reduce the chances for leaks, ruptures, clogs, etc. Taking some basic precautions in advance will ensure your home's plumbing stays up to snuff and will save you money on costly repairs in the long run. And the best part is that some of these basic precautions cost absolutely nothing.
Eric Dorman's and Pillar to Post's 5 Top Tips To Maintain Your Home's Plumbing Systems:
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Know where the main water shutoff valve in your home is located. This is normally very accessible so that the water to the whole house can be turned off in an emergency. In many Charlotte area homes the shutoff valve is either in a hall closet or in the garage.
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Check the household water pressure with an inexpensive gauge from the hardware store. Excessive water pressure can damage pipes, faucets and washing machine valves, which can lead to leaks and dramatically shortened lifespans for these items. In general, water pressure should be between 40-80 psi. A plumber can install a pressure reducing valve near the main shutoff to correct this condition.
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Protect pipes from freezing by using pipe insulation where pipes are exposed to the cold. This includes outdoor faucets, garages, crawlspaces, and unfinished/unheated basements. Frozen pipes can burst and result in serious water damage to the home and belongings. While winter temperatures in the Charlotte metro area are generally moderate, we do experience below freezing temperatures at night in the winter months.
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Avoid using chemical drain cleaners. Though often effective, they can damage cast iron drainpipes and cause bigger problems. Snaking the drain is a better solution – keep a plumbing snake on hand or have a plumber do this.
- Do not put any kind of grease or cooking oils down the drain. These will just solidify as they travel through the pipes and can cause serious clogs further down the line. Instead, pour the grease into a paper cup or other disposable container and throw it away.
When it comes to plumbing, an ounce of prevention truly is worth a pound of cure!
These plumbing/home maintenance tips are brought to you courtesy of Nina Hollander and Carolinas Realty Partners, RE/MAX Executive Realty, your Charlotte metro area real estate consultants.
If you are considering purchasing or selling a home in the Charlotte metro area, I would love an opportunity to earn your business, exceed your expectations, and to prove to you that "The Right Broker Makes All The Difference."
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