At Bill Russell Plumbing, Heat & Air Company we realize that every plumbing problem you may have may not require the expertise of a licensed journeyman plumber and can be corrected if you have the knowledge to complete your project. Here are a few tips that can help you do it yourself if you are so inclined. Of course we are always a phone call away at 918-742-6171 if you need our expertise.
Leaky Faucets
Besides being annoying, fixing a leaky faucet also saves you money! Dripping water at on drip per second wastes 400 gallons of water in a year. If it is hot water you are wasting even more money. There are many different types of faucets. Some require simple cartridges that when replaced stop the drip while others require washers and can be a little more challenging. We recommend the Wolverine Brass brand of faucets when you are ready to replace your old faucet. Their cartridges are guaranteed for the life of the faucet and give you a long life of worry free operation.
Bathroom Plumbing Tips
- Be sure to check faucets and pipes for leaks.
- Replace standard shower heads with low-volume heads or flow restrictors.
- Check your toilet periodically for leaks. Place a few drops of food coloring in the tank. After a few minutes if you see color in the bowl it is an indication of a leak, probably caused by a faulty flapper.
Listen for gurgling sounds coming from the toilet. These noises could indicate the flush valve may need to be adjusted.
Typical Toilet
Water Heater Tips
For safety reasons, keep the temperature setting below the factory setting listed on the water heater or in the owners manual. Keeping the temperature setting above the recommended setting will greatly increase the potential for scalding. If you have any questions, please give us a call and we can help you with this.
All water heaters are required by law to be equipped with a temperature and pressure relief valve (t & p valve) as a safety feature to prevent damage from excessive pressure (>150 psi) or temperature (>210F). If the t & p valve is discharging water you should call Bill Russell Plumbing, Heat & Air Company immediately at 918-742-6171.
Flushing your water heater should be done on a regular basis. The procedure is as follows:
Hook a garden hose up to the bottom drain valve. Place the hose in a position to allow full discharge of the water through the hose.
Be careful where you drain this water to because it will be very hot and can kill plants if you drain it into your yard.
Open the drain valve wide open. Do not close off the incoming cold water supply to the heater. Run the water out of the hose until the water runs clear (usually just a few seconds). Once the water is clear, shut off the bottom drain valve and remove the hose.
Typical Electric Water Heater
Kitchen & Laundry Plumbing Tips
- Automatic dishwashers and washers are more efficient if run only when they are full.
- When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the tap run freely to rinse. Fill the second side of the sink with rinse water.
- Fill a pitcher with drinking water and store it in the refrigerator.
Garbage Disposals DO’s and DON’T's
Do run a strong flow of water while grinding
Do run water for at least 30 seconds after grinding to flush out the disposal.
Do run the disposal each time waste is put in.
Do use small batches when disposing of large amounts, especially starchy foods such as potato peels, rice, pasta, etc.
Fibrous foods such as cabbage, asparagus, banana peels, etc. should be cut into small pieces before grinding.
Do run disposal with ice and/or citrus peel to clean and deodorize as needed.
Don’t grind bones, shells, or very fibrous things such as corn cobs or corn husks.
Don’t stuff your disposal with large amounts of food at one time.
We hope you found these tips helpful. Please understand that they are not intended to replace the expertise of our licensed professionals who can help you with any plumbing issue you may be faced with in your home or business. We are just a phone call away at 918-742-6171.