Running water is one of the most basic amenities/necessities of modern life. I shudder when I think of life without it. The plumber who comes to your aid is truly a HERO (think burst pipes underground or drains that are completely clogged). Men have traditionally dominated this field of work, but women have also undertaken these missions of mercy.
Lillian Ann Baumbach Jacobs the First Woman Master Plumber in the U.S. helped pave the way for other women to “take up the wrench!” According to http://www.baumbach.com: “Famous for becoming the first woman master plumber in the 1950’s Lillian became the pen-pal of more than 250 men in the United States and overseas, 75 letters from Korea alone included election as pin-up girl for an infantry company. Lillian was also on two television shows a New York TV program, the TV game show What?s my Line? A radio broadcast and wrote a magazine article (Helpful Plumbing Hints for Housewives.) One of her favorite experiences was her interview with Walter Cronkite.”
But onto the topic at hand, although we don’t commonly think of checking on plumbing as a “Spring Cleaning“ project, this seasonal check can spare lots of worries down the road. Per Patriot Plumbing in Colorado, there are some small problems that can turn into big headaches if they are ignored:
Water Leaks – An unnoticed water leak or drip can cause hidden mold and rot problems. Enclosed spaces like crawl spaces should be inspected for water spots or mold, which can indicate a leak.
Screeching Faucets – This could indicate that the air “bleed-off” system is not working right.
Low Water Pressure – This can be caused by a clogged,leaking, or pipe that is too narrow for a particular application.
Rattling Pipes – This can indicate air is trapped in the pipes.
Backed Up Toilet – This may indicate a damaged or clogged sewer line.
Water Heater Rust – If you see brown water coming out of your faucets, your water heater may need replacing.
Additionally, here are some general maintenance tips:
Fix Leaks – Inspect shower heads and faucets for leaks. A single dripping faucet can waste hundreds of gallons of water in a year. Check toilets for leaks by adding several drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. If the tank is leaking, colored water will appear in the toilet bowl.
Test Your Sump Pump – Test the sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pump pit. The pump should turn on immediately, remove the water, then turn off.
Sewer & Drain Maintenance – Check that all drains have strainers to prevent debris clogging the drain lines. Schedule a sewer line inspection. A video sewer line inspection will help to find the small issues before they become a major problem.
Ensure Plumbing Systems Are Regularly Used – Exercising faucets and water valves under sinks and toilets will prevent them from sticking from underuse.
Maintain Your Water Heater – Drain a few gallons from the water heater tank to remove sediment, which reduces heating efficiency and can shorten the life of the water heater. Check with your water heater manufacturer’s instructions for your specific make/model.
Speaking of water heaters, as of April 15, 2015, the U.S. Department of Energy’s new regulations requiring all water heater manufacturers to meet higher energy factor (EF) ratings have gone into effect. They include gas, electric and oil water heaters; newer, tankless water heaters already meet these new standards. So, how will these changes affect you? Water heaters will cost up to 35% more than in previous years. The installation requirements will be more complex and the units may be larger. But, the new requirements will result in greater efficiency, so you may save money later. Most water heaters have a lifespan of 8 – 12 years, so if yours is 10 years or older then you might consider getting a new one now.
