Bi-weekly

Regular maintenance of drains will help reduce the risk of clogging. Flush drains bi-weekly with hot tap water, especially those drains that are not used often such as in a guest bathroom.

Every three or four months

Clean aerators on faucets. You may need to use a rust or scale remover to return them to normal condition, or have them replaced. If water is extremely hard, you may need to do this more often. Soaking in vinegar over night will remove most hard water deposits.

If insulation has been mounted on the exterior of the hot water heater tank, inspect it to ensure that the insulation remains in the proper position, noting particularly that it is not blocking the combustion air inlet or the exhaust vent of gas or oil fired units.

Every six months

Use a non-caustic drain cleaner on all household drains.

Check the temperature gauge on the boiler of your tankless water heater system. Consult the operating instructions to determine the correct temperature setting.

Call Sun Devil Plumbing to drain & flush your water heater.

Annually

If hot water pipes are covered with insulation, inspect them to ensure that the insulation is secure and in good condition. Replace or reposition loose insulation to cover any open areas.

Inspect distribution and drainage pipes for leakage or signs of weakness. Look for rust, corrosion, greenish deposits, and mineral deposits around fittings, valves, household fixtures and along the length of the pipe.

Check the bathroom stool for leaks by adding a small amount of red food coloring to the tank. Check the toilet bowl later. If the toilet bowl water is colored red, water is seeping through from the tank.

Check the temperature and pressure relief valve on the hot water heater to be sure the lever is functioning. Consult the operating manual for the procedure. If the valve does not work, have it replaced. Water will drain from the line linked to this valve. Have a bucket handy to catch it. According to the Uniform Plumbing Code, a pipe should be connected to the pressure relief valve, extending down along the side of the tank to within six inches of the floor. This extension pipe prevents the spraying of hot water when the valve is released or if a malfunction occurs.

Inspect the exhaust stack on gas and oil fired hot water heaters to ensure that all pipe connections are secure & free of rust, corrosion, & obstructions. Make sure that fuel fired hot water heaters vent their gasses to the outside; escape of gasses inside the home could be lethal & pose a fire hazard.

Inspect the joints around the tankless hot water heater mounting plate. If corroded or covered with mineral deposits, determine the cause of the leak and repair. It may be necessary to call Sun Devil Plumbing for help with this. If a gas or oil fired hot water heater is located in the garage, basement, or utility area, do not store gasoline in the same area. Gas fumes can build up and be ignited by the hot water heater pilot light flame. Every three to five years Have well water analyzed for bacterial contamination and chemical pollution or more often if an unusual taste or odor problem occurs.

As needed

Repair leaking faucets. If washer type, replace faucet washer and check washer seat for roughening; smooth if needed. If washerless, consult an installation manual or call Sun Devil Plumbing.

To prevent lint from building up and eventually clogging drainpipes near the washing machine, put an old nylon stocking over the end of the rubber drain hose. This will trap all of the lint from your washing machine water before it reaches your drain, and should be changed as necessary.

Check the temperature setting on the hot water heater. If it is above 120°F or 140°F, or if your automatic dishwasher does not have its own heating element, you are wasting energy and increasing your risk of getting scalded from hot water.