Simple plumbing facts every resident can use

Every Oceanside resident should know at least a little about his plumbing. Even if you rent and would rather leave repairs to the landlord, or if you’re a homeowner and prefer to let plumbers do the work, it never hurts to know some basic facts about your residence. Even the least DIY-inclined folks can benefit from these 5 simple but essential nuggets of knowledge, as they’re likely to save you money and improve the lifespan of your plumbing.

Showerheads are wasteful

Showerheads are water wasters, pure and simple. Old models in particular use more water than is necessary – 2.5 gallons per minute to be precise. That figure is pretty astounding, especially given the efficiency of newer models. The government’s WaterSense program mandates that showerheads use less than 2 GPM. While this is mandatory yet for California, it’s a good idea to keep up with trends. It’ll save water and reduce your monthly bill.

Water heaters need to be cleaned

Many residents assume that water heaters can just be left alone, that they only require inspection when there’s a leak or a reduction in water pressure. However, to make sure that your heater lasts longer, you need to flush it once a year. Otherwise, debris will accumulate and the interior of the tank will start to corrode over time. If you’re adept at home improvement projects, you might be able to do this yourself. If not, just call the most reliable plumber in Oceanside. Boyd Rogers’ team of experts can service your hot water heater, whether you live near Main Street or by The Oceanside Pier. 

Water efficiency works

While showerheads are leading water wasters, replacing them isn’t the only way to save valuable H2O while slashing your water bill. Low-flush toilets, tankless water heaters, and grey water all represent methods of water conservation around the house. Re-use water whenever possible and consider replacing your grass with turf. A little inconvenience up front will definitely pay off down the line.

Clogs are the #1 cause of emergencies

Some plumbers may argue that burst pipes cause more nerve-wracking incidents among homeowners than anything else, but in our experience, clogs tend to create headaches more often. In fact, in many cases they actually cause pipes to burst. If a sink or toilet backs up and can’t be plunged, you’ll need help. In more extreme cases, a sewer line may clog, causing water to flow back into the house or worse – shatter the pipe completely. Don’t let clogs persist.

Old tree roots can spell trouble

Oceanside has some beautiful coastal trees. If you have one in your yard, consider yourself lucky – and at risk. Older trees have deep roots that spread out underground. Often times these roots will interfere with sewer lines, encroaching on and disrupting them. The result can be a clogged or even severed pipe. Keep an eye on your trees and if you’re really curious, access the blueprints for your residence. This way, you can get a better idea for where the sewer line located, and if it’s at risk.