Pipe into Health
Much like a routine medical checkup may prevent major
health problems later, so can careful inspection
of your home’s plumbing system save you from
an unforeseen crisis. New technology makes it possible.
Story by Greg Cook
Every year, most of us schedule an appointment
for our routine medical checkups. Though they aren’t
always something we look forward to, it is comforting
to know that everything is either in working order
or what it will take to fix a small problem before
it becomes a bigger one. Your home’s pipes
are the same way.
Check It Out
Finding a plumber you can trust is the first step
to receiving a good diagnosis of your home’s
circulatory health. To make an informed judgment,
this expert also needs to be on top of new technology.
Your Mr. Rooter® plumbing expert can perform
a video inspection of your drain, allowing you to
view the results on the spot.
The inspection should be done once every five years
and before you start a major project. It is always
better to address a plumbing problem before you spend
a fortune on new hardwood floors or carefully plant
rhododendrons and have to rip them out in a crisis.
Preventive Maintenance
Your plumber should examine the shutoff valves
at each fixture in your home. (If your home is newer,
every fixture probably has a valve; ask your plumber
to install a shutoff valve on any fixture that doesn’t.)
If a valve is broken or corroded, replace it immediately.
Waiting until water spews from a broken pipe under
your sink is not a good time to find out
that the valve has worn out!
Ask your plumbing expert to also check hoses leading
to your washing machine; these are the most common
causes of home water damage. At the same time, replace
any rubber hoses connected to your washer with stainless
steel ones. They’ll keep water contained much
more effectively. “People rarely think about
their plumbing system until there’s a problem,” says
Keith Glass, Technical Services Manager with Mr.
Rooter Corp. “Yet, the number one cause of
water damage in the home is caused by a ruptured
washing machine hose—something that could easily
be prevented.” Glass recommends marking your
calendar for every six months, then “take a
flashlight, open your cabinets and look at the piping
for signs of dripping
water or corrosion.”
Water Heater Basics
A water
heater is one of the key elements in your
plumbing system. If yours is aging or has completely
gone kaput, ask your plumber for assistance on finding
the right-size. Once you’ve nailed down the
size you’ll need, consider what it will cost
to run the unit each month. You may spend a little
more up front, but a more efficient water heater
will reduce your monthly bills.
After the heater is installed, ask your plumber
to check the water temperature. Most units are set
by the manufacturer at the default setting of 120
degrees, which is preferable. Other manufacturers
set the default at 140 degrees. For each 10 degrees
you lower the thermostat, you’ll save about
5 percent on your energy bill and reduce the risk
of scalding water coming out of a superheated faucet.
Also, a heater will last longer if it runs a bit
cooler.
If you’re going away for a few days, remember
to simply switch the water heater to “vacation
setting” or turn the temperature down to save
costs.
Routine checks after the warranty is expired can
prevent headaches later. “On every water heater,
the date of manufacture is listed on the label,” Glass
says. “Most water heaters have a six-year warranty,
so start checking in the seventh year for rust around
the base of the heater and corrosion around the fittings
at the top.” If there is a leak, Glass advises
you to immediately shut off the main pipe coming
into the house, cut off the power and call your plumbing
expert.
In an Emergency
Regular inspections will help prevent catastrophes,
but nothing is completely foolproof. Be sure you
know where the shutoff valves are for each sink and
toilet, as well as the main water pipe. Knowing where
they are and how they work can save you from a nightmare
if the toilet overflows or a pipe bursts. If you’re
unsure of where your shutoff valves are, ask your
plumber to point them out. Visit MrRooter.com to learn more.
Greg Cook knows from personal experience that preventive
maintenance beats backups any day. He has been contributing
to national consumer magazines such as Better
Homes and Gardens for more than 20 years, specializing
in home improvement, building and remodeling.