Water Use Efficiency | MyHomeWorks™

Plumbing

How It Works

Home plumbing uses a series of pipes to carry water to sinks, toilets, showers, refrigerators and dishwashers. It uses a drain, waste and vent system to transport any waste water to a septic system or sewer system. There are many variations of this basic plumbing system, each with their own maintenance needs and schedules. Our tips will cover all of these variations.

What Can Go Wrong?

Plumbing Supply Piping: Problems with supply piping may lead to serious damage. Water damage from toilets typically costs between $2,000 and $10,000 per incident. 78 percent of those incidents were reportedly caused by faulty supply lines, toilet flanges, fill valve assemblies, toilet back-ups and overflows.

Drain, Waste and Vent Piping: Drain piping can become clogged with wasted debris. A clogged drain pipe may overflow and damage the surrounding parts of your home or become a health hazard. Exterior piping can also become damaged and any leaks may cause damage to landscaping.

Environmental Impact

Consider installing low-flow toilets and shower heads, even if you don’t live in an area with limited water. Doing so can drastically help the environment and reduce your utility bills.

Tips & Tricks

Maintenance Tips

Plumbing Supply Pipe Maintenance:

Replace the filters and have your water treatment systems serviced regularly, if you have any.
Inspect any exposed piping, valves and water supply lines every six months. Look for signs of leaks and corrosion.
Clean aerators on sinks and shower heads to maintain proper flow. Soak your shower head in a solution of warm vinegar and water to remove calcium buildup if there is any.
Repair any toilets that continually drain water without being flushed. A faulty toilet can waste hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water per month.

Drain, Waste and Vent Pipe Maintenance:

Do not pour cooking grease or oils down the drain: these can build up in the piping and restrict flow, damaging the septic system.
Use a drain guard to catch items that may clog the drain.

Loss Prevention Tips

Locate and inspect the shutoff valves for each fixture in your supply piping. Make sure the main water supply shutoff is easily accessible and working.
Limit your use of chemical drain cleaners, which can damage the pipes over extended use. If you have a slow drain, there may be an obstruction in the pipe or vent line. Address the problem promptly and call a qualified plumber if necessary.