PLUMBING

PLUMBING
Keep it in shape
Since the average household plumbing system equals about 15 percent of the home's value, it pays to take good care of your pipes. Besides keeping pipes frost-free, there are plenty of other ways you can keep you're your home's plumbing in tip-top condition.
Unless you are wishing for a clog, don't wash liquid fats such as grease or cooking oil down the kitchen drain. After cooling, these substances leave fatty deposits and when bits of food accumulate in the layer of fat and grease, the pipe is soon clogged. Pour excess grease in a tin can and throw it in the garbage.
It is normal for pipes to sweat during hot weather and seasonal changes. Wrapping pipes with insulation will prevent condensation.
Noisy pipes can be a sign of trouble. A chattering sound can indicate pipes are loose, while a whistling noise could indicate that pipes are too small to handle the amount of water racing through them. A pressure reducing valve may help.
If you have a sump pump, keep it in good operating condition. Oil it carefully according to manufacturer's instructions. In dry spells, trip the lever after filling the basin with water so the pump has a chance to operate. If the sump pump goes a long period without operating, there is the possibility that corrosion may cause a sticking of the shaft when operation is required.
Source: theplumber.com