Whether it’s our dishwasher that cleans dishes so we don’t have to spend time scrubbing or the washer and dryer that ensures our clothes are clean and stain free, our homes are fitted with machines that make everyday life easier. Most of us don’t think about how much we use these modern machines until something goes wrong. That’s why with a little preventive plumbing appliance maintenance in your Buffalo home, you can ensure that your appliances continue to run as intended while avoiding potential plumbing problems.
Kitchen Appliances
Take a look around and inspect your appliances for signs of leaks. If you notice water damage, clean the affected area and have the appliance serviced or replaced. Check the water supply hoses to appliances such as your dishwasher and refrigerator if equipped with an ice maker or water dispenser. If any of the supply hoses show signs of leaking, bulging or signs of weakness, replace them immediately. Supply hoses can typically last around 10 years before needing to be replaced. Whenever possible, it’s advised to use stainless steel hoses as they are more reliable and less prone to bursting.
Laundry Room Appliances
Just like in your kitchen, inspect water supply lines for leaks or damage and replace as needed. If equipped, clean out your washing machine’s lint trap and place a wire trap or a piece of pantyhose over the end of the hose that drains the dirty water to avoid potential clogs. Examine all exhaust vents, both interior pipes/hoses as well as exterior vents for any build of debris or lint. Clean or replace them if they are too dirty, as it could become a potential fire hazard.
And most importantly…
Your Water Heater!
There are several things you can do to prolong the life of your water heater:
- Check the temperature setting of your water heater. It should be set no higher than 120°F to prevent scalding and reduce energy use.
- Clean the sediment from your water heater by carefully draining several gallons from the water heater tank to flush out corrosion causing sediment, which reduces heating efficiency and shortens the life of the heater.
- Check your water heater manufacturer ‘s website for specific instructions concerning your make and model.
- Consider replacing a water heater more than 15 years old. The first four numbers of the serial number represent the month and year it was made.
- Make sure flammables are not stored near the water heater or furnace.
The Plumber, Heating & Cooling in Buffalo offers plumbing appliance maintenance services and more to fix your home’s plumbing problems 24/7. Leaky pipes? Ruptured supply line? The Plumber has you covered! We also offer tankless water heater installation and repair!
