There are several challenges that may exist with older homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX area. Things like aging pipes and an outdated plumbing system benefit from seasonal attention. Allow our team at AirCo to perform a routine plumbing inspection and maintenance this fall.
Check for Leaks and Corrosion
As a homeowner, there are several tasks you can do yourself to spot plumbing issues early. For example, periodically look underneath sinks and around toilets for pooling water. Even condensation on pipes can indicate a problem that requires professional attention. If you have old pipes in your home, it may be time to have sections replaced. This will provide you with peace of mind knowing you’re reducing your risk of leaks or burst pipes.
Professional leak detection can spot small leaks in the most hidden areas. Homeowners have a hard time spotting leaks until they are causing water stains on ceilings or peeling paint on walls. Equipment like thermal imaging, acoustic technology, and ultrasonic leak detection address plumbing issues. However, they don’t require cutting into walls or ceilings or removing flooring. Taking a minimalist approach to finding leaks is optimal from financial and practical perspectives.
Consider the type of pipe material that you have in your home. Iron, galvanized steel, and lead pipes all have the potential to corrode and leak as they age. If you know these materials are in your home, consider replacement as a method of leak prevention in Dallas.
It’s also important to have us check the water pressure throughout your residence. If you have high water pressure, you have a higher risk of developing a plumbing leak or experiencing a burst pipe. There are pressure regulators that can address both high and low levels of pressure in your plumbing system. Be sure to have this equipment checked as part of your routine plumbing maintenance in DFW each fall.
Drain Cleaning Before the Holidays
It’s important that you don’t wait until your drains are backing up to clear your pipes. Scheduling a routine drain cleaning in the fall can prevent holiday plumbing disasters. Avoid the use of store-bought chemical drain cleaners. These products are very caustic and can corrode the interior of your pipes. Instead, allow our team to use tools like augers and drain snakes. Hydro jetting is another beneficial method for clearing pipes quickly.
Most households experience more cooking and cleaning around the holidays. Be careful what you’re putting down your drains. Allowing fats, grease, and oils to be poured into pipes can promote clogs. Debris will have an easier time sticking to the interior of your pipes when they are coated in this sticky substance. Also, keep large scraps of food, eggshells, fruit and vegetable peels, and coffee grounds out of your garbage disposal and drains. These items don’t break down easily and can result in clogging.
If you notice signs of a pipe clog, reach out to our team right away. This can include water and waste backing up into drains, tubs, and toilets. Also, gurgling sounds usually indicate that there is air getting trapped inside your plumbing system if debris is present. Slow drainage and foul odors are also signs of a clog.
Inspect Water Heaters for Efficiency
Hot water is something you rely on daily, especially when temperatures outside start to drop. During the fall, have our team inspect your water heater and perform routine maintenance to boost efficiency. It’s important to drain your tank and flush out any minerals or sediment that is inside. Otherwise, you can experience fluctuations in water temperature, visible particulates in the water, and system strain. The anode rod inside your water heater tank is a sacrificial part that requires periodic replacement. We will inspect this part of your system yearly. If the anode rod is coated in debris, this can result in your water heater working harder to maintain your desired water temperature. You may see an increase in your monthly gas consumption when this occurs. In between appointments, inspect the exterior of your water heater for corrosion or signs of damage.
Schedule a Fall Appointment Today
Be sure to schedule your fall plumbing inspection and maintenance before the holidays arrive. Our team here at AirCo in the Dallas-Fort Worth area can help with routine service in addition to emergency repairs. Contact us at AirCo today to find out more about our fall plumbing services or to schedule an appointment.
