Title: Checklist for Denver Plumbing Maintenance
1Denvers Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
SWAN Plumbing, Heating Air of Denver
6810 N Broadway, Unit NDenver, CO 80221
office_at_swanheating.com (303) 993-1406
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Copyright 2016 SWAN Plumbing, Heating Air of
Denver
2Customize Your Checklist
SWAN Plumbing, Heating Air of Denver
6810 N Broadway, Unit NDenver, CO 80221
office_at_swanheating.com (303) 993-1406
- Now that you've decided to run a general
maintenance program on your home, spend some time
triaging the trouble spots. For example, plumbing
problems may cause the most destruction in both
the short and the long term, so begin with making
a plumbing maintenance checklist.
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Copyright 2016 SWAN Plumbing, Heating Air of
Denver
3Getting The Big Picture
SWAN Plumbing, Heating Air of Denver
6810 N Broadway, Unit NDenver, CO 80221
office_at_swanheating.com (303) 993-1406
- Let's start by walking around your property, or
better yet, take the overall view and cross the
street to gain a fuller perspective of its
location. If it lies on a gentle slope, your
concerns about drainage will be alleviated. If
there are thirsty willow trees as landscaping,
your concerns may escalate. Take notes on your
initial large view, and plunge into the question
of which plumber to consult if a widespread
plumbing problem presents itself. For example, if
your home lies in a flood zone or is situated
near a river or lake, then the local companies
have firsthand experience with water issues.
Their advice is invaluable and you need to note
the premier plumbing company in your area.
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Copyright 2016 SWAN Plumbing, Heating Air of
Denver
4Master The Great Outdoors
SWAN Plumbing, Heating Air of Denver
6810 N Broadway, Unit NDenver, CO 80221
office_at_swanheating.com (303) 993-1406
- Now that you've decided on a reliable plumber,
zero in on the yard. You may have not thought
about the infrastructure supporting your
property, but you need to familiarize yourself
with the location of both the water meter and the
water shut-off valve for the entire home. Walk
around the foundation, searching for cracks or
signs of leakage. Critique each lawn, as
sprinkling systems may spring a leak from ground
upheaval or careless use of a lawnmower. Areas of
burgeoning, uneven grass growth or swampy areas
point to a sprinkling system problem underground.
Move around to outdoor faucets and check for
leaks if the winters are freezing in your
location, you need to wrap the faucets before
cold weather starts for the utmost protection.
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Copyright 2016 SWAN Plumbing, Heating Air of
Denver
5Dealing With Winter Woes
SWAN Plumbing, Heating Air of Denver
6810 N Broadway, Unit NDenver, CO 80221
office_at_swanheating.com (303) 993-1406
- Speaking of winterizing outdoor faucets, the
first step consists of disconnecting garden hoses
for draining and storage. Next, inspect your
faucet to see if it's frost-free. A good rule is
that a frost-free knob is perpendicular to the
house, and a knob that is at a 45-degree angle is
not. Even a climate with mild winters and
occasional freezing needs these simple safeguards
to prevent split pipes and costly repairs. As you
inspect the outdoor faucets, see to the caulking
around the pipes. If it's weathered or missing,
it needs replacing. Once you've secured the great
outdoors, move on to what will affect you and
your family the most, the indoor plumbing.
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Copyright 2016 SWAN Plumbing, Heating Air of
Denver
6The Essentials Hot Water Good Pressure
SWAN Plumbing, Heating Air of Denver
6810 N Broadway, Unit NDenver, CO 80221
office_at_swanheating.com (303) 993-1406
- Now comes checking for proper water pressure. If
your home is two or more stories, you already
realize that showers and proper toilet flushing
upstairs are critical, so remove showerheads to
inspect them for sediment buildup that will
constrict the pipes' ability to provide adequate
pressure. Each sink, tub, and drain needs
checking for drainage, because slow drainage
indicates a clog or vent problem, and gurgling
points to a venting problem. Next, the amount of
people living in the home determines the size of
a water heater. A family of four likely needs a
40-gallon capacity, and if the heater is old,
sediments may accumulate and require draining the
tank.
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Copyright 2016 SWAN Plumbing, Heating Air of
Denver
7Preventing Toilet Disasters
SWAN Plumbing, Heating Air of Denver
6810 N Broadway, Unit NDenver, CO 80221
office_at_swanheating.com (303) 993-1406
- Moving along to more intimate plumbing
maintenance, make sure that each toilet is firmly
seated by gently rocking it. Check for water
leakage after a test flush, and make certain that
the toilet does not continue to run after
flushing. Lift the tank cover to inspect for
rusting parts, and look for mildew in the hidden
areas behind the toilet that will betray a leak.
Bathrooms most often have tile floors, so search
for cracked tiles that will have leaked water
through to the floor and stained the ceiling of
the room below. If you do find any issues, you
may need to contact a plumber for toilet repair
service.
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Copyright 2016 SWAN Plumbing, Heating Air of
Denver
8Laundry Room Lookout
SWAN Plumbing, Heating Air of Denver
6810 N Broadway, Unit NDenver, CO 80221
office_at_swanheating.com (303) 993-1406
- The laundry holds a common source of trouble that
is also the most easily fixed the washing
machine drain hose. Curious children may tinker
with the hose by lifting it out of the drainpipe,
and the results can be catastrophic. Simply check
its position periodically as you conduct a
general inspection of the washer's hoses to make
sure they are not brittle or leaking.
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Copyright 2016 SWAN Plumbing, Heating Air of
Denver
9Calming Kitchen Concerns
SWAN Plumbing, Heating Air of Denver
6810 N Broadway, Unit NDenver, CO 80221
office_at_swanheating.com (303) 993-1406
- Because we associate the kitchen with sinks,
cooking, and dishwashing, we need to concentrate
maintenance here. Check the out of the way places
such as under the sink, because any leaks will
have discolored or warped the floor inside. All
faucets should not leak, and corrosion causes
pipes to leak, too. Signs of corrosion are green
stains around copper and brass fittings, and
orange or yellow stains on steel pipe. The
dishwasher's connections need periodic checking
due to the vibration and force of water during
its operation. Garbage disposals, too, vibrate
when working hard and can loosen or leak.
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Copyright 2016 SWAN Plumbing, Heating Air of
Denver
10The Final Check
SWAN Plumbing, Heating Air of Denver
6810 N Broadway, Unit NDenver, CO 80221
office_at_swanheating.com (303) 993-1406
- You're nearly through. Close your eyes and listen
for water drips or the sound of water running
when you know every faucet is turned off. When
all is clear to your satisfaction, finish your
plumbing maintenance checklist with a satisfied
smile. You've completed your first run through of
a very important part of owning a home.
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Copyright 2016 SWAN Plumbing, Heating Air of
Denver