How to Prevent Costly Home Repairs

Posted by Frank under Homeowner, Tips

While major plumbing problems are best left to professional plumbers, there are several precautions homeowners can take to prevent costly repairs. We are in the summer season, but be prepared for the winter.

• Disconnect outside water hoses. Water left in the hoses can freeze and expand, causing faucets and connecting pipes inside your home to break.

• When pipes freeze, water pressure builds causing cracks - no matter if the pipe is made of plastic, copper or steel. Even a tiny crack can unleash more than 250 gallons of water in a single day.

• If your home has interior shut-off valves leading to outside faucets, close them and drain water from lines.

• Cover outside faucets using a faucet insulation kit available at home centers.

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as garages or crawl spaces, with heat tape or thermostat-controlled heat cables.

• Seal door and window leaks to reduce cold air drafts.

• Your water heater works harder during cold weather. Flush it out and remove sediment buildup, which causes corrosion, shortens its life span and reduces heating efficiency. Drain several gallons from the faucet near the bottom of the tank through a hose directed into a nearby drain.

• Carefully test the water heater’s pressure relief valve (water is very hot) by lifting up on the lever and letting it snap back. The valve should allow a burst of hot water into the drainpipe. If not, call a professional to have a new valve installed.

• Set the water heater’s thermostat at 120°F for optimum performance.

• Clear leaves and debris from downspouts to ensure easy drainage when water freezes and thaws.

• Inspect and clean sump pump and pit. Pumps exposed to extreme cold can freeze, preventing the pump from operating.

• When leaving home for extended periods, shut off the main water valve and drain the system by opening faucets at the highest and lowest points of the house. Keep the heat on and set no lower than 58 degrees.

By following these tips, you can save in costly repairs and reduce your utility costs. It’s always best to consult with a professional if you’re not comfortable with following the tips above. If you’re a homeowner you can create a Simple Buyer account with ServiceLive and have a qualified Plumber perform an inspection before the winter arrives.

Tags: homeowners, plumbers, plumbing, repairs, servicelive, Tips

Do you have a Honey-Do list?

Posted by Frank under Homeowner

As summer approaches we usually have so many things to do around the house, but do you have the time and the skills to accomplish these tasks? If not, there’s a great way you can get the work done with very little effort.

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Tags: honey-do, repairs, servicelive, services