Plumbing Maintenance & Energy Conservation Tips

At TRI STATE PLUMBING, INC., our goal is to help clients maintain their fixtures and avoid costly damage. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of helpful tips and tricks designed to help folks lower energy costs while decreasing the risk of long-term damage.

1. Repair weather stripping and caulking.
2. Check your thresholds (doors) for any gaps or drafts around the edges.
3. Adjust your thermostat accordingly when you’re not at home.
4. Install a digital programmable thermostat.
5. Wrap your pipes to prevent freezing and heat loss.
6. Avoid using space heaters.

1. Keep drapes, blinds, and shades closed to block out the sun.
2. Keep cool air in by installing insulation and weather stripping.

1. Change and clean heating and AC filters monthly.
2. Shut doors to rooms you don’t use, and don’t forget to close the vents inside.
3. Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
4. Install motion-activated switches that turn lights on and off.
5. Install water-conserving fixtures for showerheads, faucets, and toilets.
6. Fix leaky faucets. One drop per second can add up to 165 gallons a month.
7. Take showers instead of baths. Filling up a bathtub can use up to 20 gallons, but a 5-minute shower only uses 7.5 gallons.
8. Install ceiling fans. That could save you up to 40% on your energy bill.
9. Use less water and cooler water when doing laundry. Doing so can cut your energy use in half.
10. Run loads of dishes and laundry only when you have a full load.
11. Be sure to always clean your lint filter in the dryer after every load. Filters full of lint use more energy.

Once a month, boil a few gallons of water and pour it down all of your sinks and drains. Boiled water is significantly hotter than tap water and will do a better job of removing soap scum and grease that develops on the inside of your pipes.

Keeping your utility room in check is always a good idea. In order to do so, we recommend closing and reopening the water faucets that supply your washing machine on a monthly basis. When these faucets are damaged, you may be unable to close them, which could result in a leak. Closing and reopening them helps you stay aware of how well they’re working. For safety and efficiency, we also recommend cleaning your dryer’s lint filter after each load.

All water heaters should be regularly checked for leaks. Replace anode rods every two years to prolong the life of your tank. When doing so, it’s important to check the entire unit for leaks and other signs of physical damage. Simple maintenance like this will help you avoid long-lasting damage from a leaking heater.

Another way to ensure the utility of your home is to maintain your appliances. Keep your garbage disposal fresh and clean by using available commercial disposal cleaners or liquid soap. We also recommend regularly cleaning the coils underneath your refrigerator.