Preferred Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Recommends Minor Maintenance to Avoid Major Repairs

July 2, 2014 - You took care of the annoying dripping faucet and grinding garbage disposal. These obvious leaks and malfunctions generally get our attention pretty easily. But what about the routine maintenance that keeps your systems functioning properly and can save you money by avoiding bigger issues?

Bruce F. Smith, president and general manager at Preferred Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning recommends checking the following that are often ignored for too long:

Tiles - be sure to regularly look closely at kitchen and bathroom tiles for any signs of cracks or loosening. Loose tiles are not just a aesthetic issue, but can actually indicate a problem such as a leak or rotting underneath.

Caulking - check the caulking around all of your plumbing fixtures and toilets. If it is tearing or pulling away you could start to see leaks in those areas.

Toilets - gently push and pull on the toilets to check that there is no movement and they are secure.

Air Conditioner - be sure to change your filters every six months. Dirty filters make your A/C run harder and also affect air quality in your home.

Washer Hoses - look for any cracks, brittleness or leaks in washer hoses. This is one you really want to notice before you have a flood in your laundry room, and even a small leak that you may not spot for awhile could cause plenty of damage.

Water Heater - take note of how long it takes for the water to heat up. If it runs more than 30-45 minutes, this is a sign of lack of maintenance and/or age, sediment build up at the bottom of the tank or a faulty regulator.

Some of these issues might be a reasonable DIY project, but if you find signs of a leak or mold, it's best to seek a professional for assistance. Give us a call at Preferred Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning as soon as you see any of these concerns, and we hope to help you keep minor maintenance from becoming major disasters.

Preferred Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning is a locally-owned company, servicing residential and commercial customers in the Palm Springs area for nearly 30 years. For more information, please visit: www.preferredplumbingac.com.