Are you looking for plumbing tips in McKinney Texas? If so, conserving water and regular plumbing maintenance will go a long way toward preventing leaks, clogs and the expense of plumbing repairs.

Some sources cite that a leak of one drop per second can add up to 8,000 gallons in a year! Following are some tips to conserve water:

• Make sure taps are fully closed. If they continue to leak they should be repaired.
• If you suspect you have a leak but are unable to locate it use your water meter to verify it. Choose a time when family members won't be home. Open the water meter cover and write down the gauge reading inside. Eight to ten hours later when no water has been used read the meter and record that number. If the gauge has moved you most likely have a leak. Call our plumbing experts in McKinney, Texas today to locate your hidden water leak.
• Do you ever hear your toilet running when it hasn't been flushed? Drop some food coloring into the tank, if you find color in the bowl then it is leaking.
• Installing a low flow shower head will reduce your water use. Not everyone will like it but your water bill will go down.
• If you would like to learn how Spencer Plumbing in McKinney, Texas can help you conserve water give us a call, our professional plumbers will be glad to help you.

Drain Tips

Scraping food into a drain without a garbage disposal is asking for trouble. Never deposit grease into your kitchen drain. Use newspaper to absorb liquid grease, place into a leak proof bag and dispose of in the trash. Solidified grease can simply be raked into the trash.

• Once a month pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of vinegar to help keep the kitchen drain open. Flush with hot water for 15 seconds when done.
• Never put bones, cherry pits, celery, or other 'stringy' material into your garbage disposal. These items can damage blades and clog your drain.
• Throw away dental floss and use strainers for bathroom sinks and shower.

If your toilet won't flush after a heavy rain you may have a cracked or clogged sewer line. Furthermore, septic tanks need to be professionally cleaned every 2-3 years. In addition, once per month you need to flush a product intended to promote beneficial bacteria into the septic tank.

• Know the location of your main water shut off valve. It is usually inside your water meter. Turn it off and on once per year to keep it freed up. Keep inside your meter clean so you can access your shut off valve.
• Winterize outside faucets. Repair leaky faucets before insulating. Faucets may be wrapped with insulation, and covered with a bucket, secured plastic garbage bag or faucet insulators. Foam insulating sleeves are available for exposed pipe. Heat tapes are an option for the main water supply line entering your home.
• Dark spots in linoleum and discolorations on wood floors indicate a leak.  

Plumbing problems tend to get worse over time. A watchful eye and regular maintenance will prevent problems from becoming a major issue. Give Spencer Plumbing in McKinney Texas a call to learn how we can help you.