1. Has my home been properly winterized?
We are lucky to have avoided extreme winter weather, for the most part, this season, but we all know we can anticipate winter storms from now until March. As we have previously discussed on our blog, winterizing your home can save you heartache and cash. Ask your plumber if your home has been properly winterized, and he can be sure you are in good shape for cold weather. for more information about winterizing your home.
2. When should my water heater be flushed?
Regular maintenance of your water heater can prolong its lifespan and ensure you get your money’s worth from your heater. Regularly flushing the heater is one of the best ways to extend its life. While having your heater become inoperable is always an inconvenient and an unwanted expense, it can be even worse in the middle of a long, cold winter. Once a heater reaches a certain age, flushing it will no longer be of use, as water heaters do have a lifespan (typically 10-12 years). Staying on top of regular maintenance can ensure you get a hot shower every day this winter, and your heater lasts as long as possible.
3. Do you have any recommendations for my home specifically?
As we tell customers daily, every job in our field is different than the last. Some homes were plumbed extremely well, to code, and need minimal attention from a plumber. Other homes were not plumbed to these standards. Sometimes builder-grade quality materials were used, other times commercial grade. Since every home and every job is different, we recommend you ask your plumber if he has any recommendations for your home specifically. He will be able to tell you if there is specific preventative maintenance he recommends for your home, if there are any trouble areas to watch out for in your plumbing, or if a fixture is showing signs of failure. It is always best to have a professional take a look and give you peace of mind for the cold days to come.