5 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Plumbing System
The new year is always a time to reflect on what you can do better in your life. However, people rarely add plumbing to that list—and with good reason. However, creating a list of New Year’s resolutions for your plumbing system can actually help you with other potential resolutions, such as cutting waste, becoming more eco-friendly, or saving money. So if you’re searching for things to improve in 2023, add these plumbing-based resolutions to your list.
1. Take It Easy on Your Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals do the grunt work so you don’t have to, easily eliminating excess foodstuffs and leftovers so you don’t have to lug them out to the trash. However, put something in a garbage disposal that doesn’t belong, and you can damage it.
As part of your New Year’s resolutions for your plumbing system, avoid putting these items in your garbage disposal:
- Coffee grounds
- Bones
- Potato peels
- Onion skins
- Grease and oil
- Eggshells
If you make an effort to keep these out of the garbage disposal, you have a much better chance of extending its life.
2. Fix Your Leaks
Cutting waste is always a great New Year’s resolution. Not only can you put more money in your pocket, but you can also preserve the planet for future generations.
One way that you can start your campaign to reduce waste is by fixing the leaks in your home. A running toilet can waste up to 1 gallon per hour, while a dripping faucet can burn through 1 gallon of water per day.
By fixing leaks, you not only cut waste but also save water and money in the process.
3. Keep Your Drains Clear
Clogged drains are one of the biggest culprits of water damage in your home. When wastewater can’t flow freely out to the sewer, it comes back into your home, which could result in flooding and unsafe conditions.
Although some types of clogs are out of your control, making sure that you don’t use your toilet as a trash can, as well as using drain guards religiously can help you avoid any clogging issues in your home.
4. Insulate Your Pipes
Burst pipes are a huge issue. Not only can your home and personal items suffer massive damage due to flooding, but repairing the pipes is often a job that can cost $500 to $1,000.
If you’re in an area that’s prone to below-freezing temperatures, make sure to insulate your pipes in areas fully or moderately exposed to the cold—including the crawlspace, garage, attic, and basement.
5. Consider a Preventive Maintenance Plan
Whether you’re busy or just don’t have the know-how to tackle plumbing issues, a preventive maintenance plan is always a smart choice. Our plumbing professionals can conduct a yearly inspection, give you priority service, and ensure that your plumbing is always flowing smoothly.
If part of your New Year’s resolution is a little peace of mind, following through on these tips and a preventive maintenance plan might just be the stroke of genius you’ve always needed. From all of us at Express Plumbing in the Bay Area, we wish you a New Year filled with good health, good times and no plumbing problems.
