5 Service Tips for Your Home

Flush and Drain Your (Standard) Water Heater Annually

Every time you soak in a warm bath or do the dishes, you're relying on your water heater. Over time, this heater can collect scaly deposits and sediment.

In particular, calcium carbonate builds up and collects at the bottom of the tank. Left unchecked, your water heater can struggle to heat water, resulting in lukewarm temps and rising energy bills.

That's why it's a good idea to flush and drain a standard water heater annually. You'll save big on heating expenses after removing this sediment from your tank.

Check Your Home's Water Pressure

Normal home water pressure is somewhere between 40 and 60 psi. Generally, anything over 75 psi is too high and can damage your system. But how do you know what your home's water pressure is? You'll need to check it manually.

To do that, go to an outdoor faucet and make sure there aren't any appliances in the home using water at the time you’re checking. Attach a pressure gauge to the faucet, then open the faucet all the way.

If your numbers are in the normal range, great. If they're too high, you may need to install a pressure-reducing valve that can protect your pipes from pressure spikes.

Check for Leaks in Your Toilet Plumbing

Hidden leaks in your toilet's plumbing could slowly reduce your toilet's efficiency and increase your water bill.

One way to see just how well your toilet works is by adding a few drops of food coloring into the tank. Usually, the tank is sealed and should not be seeping into the bowl. But, after an hour or two of waiting, if you notice streaks of color in the water of the bowl, it means you have a problem.

Luckily, it's (usually) an easy fix. You'll just need to replace any damaged or corroded seals in the tank.

Validate that the Shutoff Valve for Your Home Is Working

If you have ever had a leak in your home, would you be able to shut off the water? Knowing that your shutoff valve works is crucial for avoiding disaster.

That's why it's a good idea to test this monthly. To do this, simply leave a faucet running somewhere in your home, then twist the water shutoff to the closed position. Does the water stop flowing? If not, call a plumber to help diagnose the issue further.

Test Your Water to Make Sure the System Is Working Properly

Water filtration systems can deliver great-tasting water — as long as they're working properly. Check these on an annual basis (bi-annually if you have well water)  to see if they're still filtering out unwanted contaminants. You can do this by getting a water testing kit from Pentair.

Our tests look for 16 of the most common contaminants, including water hardness, lead, and total iron. If your water filter is still letting these guys through, it is time for an upgrade.

Routine plumbing maintenance shouldn't be something you think about only when your system starts to malfunction. Create a plumbing preventative maintenance plan to avoid any unexpected hiccups. And also, make sure you have a quality home water filtration system from Pentair.

Our whole-house water filtration systems provide great-tasting, odor-free water throughout your home. Water that's easier on your appliances, from toilet to sink. Enjoy your water confidently with Pentair.