How many of you made New Year’s resolutions? Did you resolve to eat healthier, exercise more, save more money?

It probably didn’t occur to you to make resolutions regarding your home’s plumbing – but maybe you should.

As we embark upon a new year, consider these five resolutions. Your plumbing will thank you!

Resolve to …. know what you can and cannot flush! You’ll save yourself a world of trouble (plus some costly repair bills) if you learn what you should never flush down your toilet. We always tell homeowners that you should only flush toilet paper—even if other items are labeled flushable or biodegradable. Never flush disposable baby or disinfectant wipes, paper towels, facial tissues, or napkins. Not only can they clog your toilet, they can also damage your pipes and pose a real problem for your septic system if you have one.

Resolve to … know what foods you can and cannot put down your kitchen sink. It’s equally important to know what foods you need to keep out of your drains, as these can lead to major plumbing disasters! Those foods include oatmeal, fats and oils, bones, pasta and rice, eggshells, stringy vegetables like asparagus, and coffee grounds.

Resolve to … up your water filtration game. Improving your home water filtration should be on your to do list this year. It’s not just a way to get better-tasting water for your home – for example, chlorine in your water can make your hair and skin feel dry after a shower, and it can fade your clothing when you put it in the laundry. It’s also bad for your plumbing and can lead to corroded parts and pinhole leaks, which can in turn create mold and mildew. It can also damage the rubber parts and seals of your water heater, washing machine, and dishwasher.

We provide water softener services and water purification services to eliminate contaminants in your water, so give us a call at 1-877-BEN-1776 or contact us online to make an appointment!

Resolve to … get serious about water conservation! There are some easy things you can do (and they’re free!) Make sure your dishwasher and washing machine are full before starting a new load. When you’re brushing your teeth or washing your face, wet your toothbrush or your skin and then turn off the water afterwards. And if you’re looking to upgrade your plumbing appliances, including toilets, faucets, and showerheads, look for the EPA’s WaterSense® label. Products and services with the label are certified to use at least 20% less water than regular models.

Resolve to … fix that leak! Leaks waste both water and money. However, sometimes leaks can be sneaky. For example, slab leaks, which are leaks underneath your home’s foundation, are invisible. Some signs that you have a slab leak include a rise in your water bills, mold and mildew, and unexplained pools of water throughout your house. Copper pipes, which bend easily, are one common culprit of slab leaks.

Here are six ways you can find a hidden water leak, both inside and outside your home.

If you’re noticing any signs of a leak, call us as soon as possible and we’ll fix it!

And by the time next year rolls around, your plumbing (and hopefully your wallet) will be in the best shape of its life. Happy New Year!