For homeowners
Ten checks that prevent a larger repair.
Practical advice for a South Orange County home. These do not replace a repair when something is already failing.
01
Know your main shutoff
If a pipe bursts, shutting the water off in the first minute is the difference between a cleanup and a remodel. Find the main shutoff before you need it.
Step-by-step shutoff guide02
Skip chemical drain cleaners
They corrode pipes from the inside and can burn skin on contact. A plunger or a drain snake is what actually clears a clog.
03
Only toilet paper goes in the toilet
“Flushable” wipes do not break down. They are the most common cause of the clogs I am called for. Put them in the trash.
04
Keep grease out of the drain
Grease hardens in the pipes. Pour it into a container, let it cool, and throw it away.
05
Look under the sinks
Every few months, check the supply lines and the P-trap with a flashlight. A slow drip can damage a cabinet and lead to mold long before it is obvious.
06
Flush the water heater once a year
Sediment collects at the bottom of a tank and makes the heater work harder and fail sooner. I flush standard and tankless water heaters for $99.
Water heater flush07
A running toilet wastes water
Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. If color shows up in the bowl without flushing, the flapper is leaking and should be replaced.
08
Check the water pressure
Pressure consistently above 80 PSI wears out fixtures, supply lines, and the water heater faster. An inexpensive gauge from a hardware store threads onto a hose bib.
09
Replace washing machine hoses
Replace rubber hoses every five years. When they fail, they can flood the home, often while no one is there. Braided stainless-steel hoses are the practical replacement.
10
Do not ignore a small leak
A drip can mean a failing valve, a cracked supply line, or a wax ring that is starting to fail. Small leaks become expensive repairs.