It's a new year. A time for people everywhere to put plans in motion to lead healthier lives. For some, it's a vow to exercise more regularly. Others decide they will eat better.
It's also vitally important to ensure that your home environment promotes good health. Many homeowners are surprised to find out about some of the hidden health hazards lurking in their houses. Here are a few about plumbing that you may not have been aware of.
Contaminants in Your Water Heater
If your water heater is more than a few years old, chances are there's some sand and grit that has accumulated in the tank. Although this sediment forces the heater to consume more energy thereby costing you more on your utility bills, it doesn't represent a significant health hazard. That is unless harmful metals or chemicals are also present.
Pieces of aging lead-based solder can chip away following years of wear and tear and travel to your water heater. Fortunately, flushing the tank should take care of eliminating the sediment inside.
- Close the cold water supply valve to the heater
- Turn the water heater off at the breaker panel or set the thermostat to the pilot setting
- Connect a garden hose to the drain valve near the bottom and place the other end where water can safely escape
- Open the drain valve
- Once the tank is empty, reopen the cold water supply valve for a few minutes. This will stir up any remaining sediment
Standing Water in Your Drainpipes
Clogged drains that make your sinks and bathtub slow to empty are more than a mere nuisance; congested pipes can cause dirty water to pool in some areas and become stagnant. These spots can be breeding grounds for nasty bacteria like legionella.
A foul odor also often accompanies a clogged drain. That unpleasant smell can lead to headaches and aggravate symptoms in allergy sufferers.
A plumbing expert can take care of clearing out the clog and keeping your drainpipes clean. With specialized tools, like tiny waterproof cameras that can be sent through the pipes to locate and identify the nature of the clog, as well as a technique known as hydrojetting, even the toughest and most remote blockage doesn't stand a chance.
Clean Out Your Faucet
Everybody knows that disinfecting surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom is an important measure in preventing the spread of disease and germs. But did you know that the inside of the faucet can also be the source of health hazards? In the same way that bits of lead can travel to your water heater, they can also become lodged inside the aerators on your taps.
Simply remove the aerator using a pair of pliers and gently scrub its components with an old toothbrush. You can also soak them in white vinegar to remove calcium and lime deposits.
Call 615-383-3339 today to speak to Nashville’s leading plumbing experts at Green Hills Plumbing. Our experienced and licensed technicians can provide all the expertise and know-how for all your plumbing repair and maintenance needs.