Run hot water down your drains to prevent clogs

If you are one of the people that does not have a dishwasher. Running hot water down the kitchen drain regularly will prevent food and grease build-up on your pipes.  By running straight hot water or even a pot of water that has been boiling on the stove will prevent clogs from happening.  This works on other drains as well.  Hot water down any drain pipe will help keep lines free from build-up.  Remember the hotter the better on this one.  Don't boil 10 gallons of water and dump them down a plastic pipe but a couple of qaurts from a spaghetti pot won't hurt.

"Joel the Plumber"
http://www.joelplumber.com/ 

Check for stains to prevent further damage

If you are like me you have a lot of things under your kitchen sink and bathroom sink.  Most of this stuff does not move for months.  Look in thes areas for leaks regularly.  Sometimes a small leak can be detected by noticing stains on your pipes and in the cabinets.  You don't want to wait until you see water coming out of the front of your cabinet before you notice this.  Instead of a quick plumbing repair now you have a costly cabinet repair and even floor or ceiling damage to worry about.

"Joel the Plumber"
http://www.joelplumber.com/

Use your faucets often

This post will seem silly to a lot of people.  If you have a bathroom that is not used very often go inside and run the faucets and toilets.  By not using your faucets and toilets the rubber seats get set into a position and when you move them out of that position they leak when you go to shut them back off.  So if you have a bathroom or sink that you do not use very often go and use it at least once a week.

Joel the Plumber
http://www.joelplumber.com/

Drain your water heater

A great way to add life to your water heater is by draining it once or twice a year.  By doing so you will remove the corrosive build-up at the bottom of the water heater.  If you have not done so in the past few years you may want a plumbing professional come do it for you.  This is because by not using the valves on the water heater very often if ever they may leak or not shut off.  If you are confident in your ability to turn the valves on and off this is how you would do it and add years to life of your water heater.  http://www.joelplumber.com/

1. Connect garden hose to drain valve at bottom of water heater and run to nearest drain
2. Shut off water supply going into water heater
3. Open drain valve at bottom of heater
4. See if water is coming out hose
5. Open water supply going into water heater again and allow to run for 5 minutes
6. Water will run out more rapidly now
7. Shut off water supply and allow pressure to drop in water heater
8. Repeat step 5
9. Shut drain valve at bottom of water heater
10. Remove hose and from drain valve and your done

styrofoam faucet covers

Yes, Styrofoam faucet covers do add protection in mild climates.  I would not rely on them during really cold temperatures.  They do add some protection against drafts and could save some money on your heating bills.  In areas where the temperature stays below freezing for long periods of time make sure you turn off the water to your outside faucets.

Lint Screens

Adding a lint screen to the end of your washing machine discharge hose will prevent costly drain cleaning calls.  When the lent gets stuck in your pipes it hardens like concrete.  It is more of a problem in older homes with cast-iron drain pipes.  The lint fibers tend to snag on the rough surface of these pipes easier.  more helpful plumbing tips to follow.

Joel the Plumber Inc.

http://www.joelplumber.com/

Faucet upgrades

I great way to spruce up a bathroom or kitchen is with new faucets.  These new finishes of brushed nickel. oil rubbed bronze, copper or a more modern lookong chrome faucet adds great looks and value to your home.  Add a new sink or toilet and your bathroom or kitchen will be looking great!  Get your house looking the best for the holidays!