How can I extend the life of my sinks and faucets?
Taking care of your home’s sinks and faucets can be fairly simple and help extend their lifespan and save you money. Be sure to routinely check underneath sinks and around faucets for any leaks, as even tiny leaks can lead to excessive water waste which ends up costing you money. Keep an eye out for moisture below your sink or around faucets, as this can be an indication of a small leak. Always fix leaky sinks and faucets as soon as possible to limit potential water damage.
Another great way to take care of your sinks and faucets is to maintain faucet aerators by removing them about once a year and giving them a thorough cleaning. Also, be sure to check that your tub or vanity’s overflow holes are clean and clear of blockages in order to avoid water damage.
How can I increase my bathroom faucet’s water pressure?
There are various factors that can lead to decreased water pressure in your bathroom faucet. Deteriorating seals or rubber washers, as well as lime or calcium deposits can lead to lowered water pressure. Increasing your faucet’s water pressure is as easy as simply checking for these issues and making the necessary repairs, part replacements, and removing any buildup. A dirty aerator can also be to blame for low water pressure, so it’s best to check this as well. Always make sure the emergency shutoff below your sink is fully open before making any repairs to your sinks or faucets.
What’s the best way to prevent clogged drains?
A clogged drain can be a nightmare to deal with. The most common causes of clogged drains include cooking oils, hair, soap chips, and other debris that gets washed down sinks, tubs, and showers. To prevent clogged drains in your home, be sure to avoid washing cooking oils or liquid fats down your kitchen sink, as these can solidify in the drain and cause clogs. Installing strainers in showers and sinks can help catch hair and other debris before it’s washed down drains, and enzyme treatments can be used to make sure drains are clear. If your drain does end up clogged, our Chicago plumbers can help. Call us at (773) 570-9759 to find out more about our services.
How can I tell if my toilet is leaking?
If you have a toilet leak, you’re probably paying too much in bills for wasted water. The good news is you can catch toilet leaks fairly easily. Simply add a drop of food coloring into the tank on the back of your toilet. Wait a bit, then check the water in the toilet bowl. If the water is colored, water may be leaking from the tank into the bowl. Other signs of an issue with your toilet include lower than usual water level in the bowl, unusual noises occurring long after flushing, cracked pipes, or noticeably decreased flushing power. If you have a leaking or improperly functioning toilet, you may need to repair or replace some or all of the toilet’s parts.
How can I take care of my garbage disposal?
To extend the life of your garbage disposal, always run cold water while it’s in use. Be careful not to overload the disposal, and never put liquid fats, cooking oils, or non-edible materials like foil, metal, or plastic down your garbage disposal. Soft food waste, including small bits of egg shell, chicken bones, or fish bones are acceptable. Never use a caustic drain opener in a pipe that has a garbage disposal, as they can become trapped in the drain and cause damage. If your garbage disposal stops working, you can attempt to reset it with the switch found at the bottom of most disposals. If this doesn’t work, contact our experienced Chicago plumbers who can help you diagnose the issue and carry out any necessary repairs or replacements.
What causes water heaters to stop working?
Like any major appliance, water heaters are subject to normal wear and tear. Over time, sediment and lime deposits can accrue in the tank, creating a barrier between the water and the burner. If sediment isn’t regularly cleaned out, this can cause your water heater to stop working as well as it once did, and may even lead to you needing a new water heater entirely.
It’s a good idea to have your water heater drained about once a year in order to limit deposit buildup, and the burner should be inspected regularly as well. One of our experienced Chicago plumbers can examine your home’s water heater to look for harmful deposits, an improperly working burner, corrosion, leaks, or a clogged flue. If your water heater has completely stopped working, we can even install a new one for you.
