(416) 231-3331
Anta
Appliances can be expensive and that's why we want to be sure that we take care of it to our best ability to make it last as long as possible. However, making it last is not the entire objective. A water using appliance poses some other risks, which makes it more important to apply regular maintenance to ensure that it always functions as it should. When a water-using appliance malfunctions, it could flood your home and damage your floors and walls.
Today we're going to look at some of our master plumber's best tips for keeping our washing machines and dishwashers in good working order, save water and prevent plumbing issues:
1. Only run the machine on a full load
Running only full loads in your dishwasher or washing machine will help cut back on water consumption, and in cases where you do a hot wash, it will also cut back on heating costs. This is sure to result in a saving on your utilities bill.
2. Check the hoses
Plastic or rubber washing machine hoses are prone to wear and tear. Inspect them regularly for signs of wear. Ideally, you should replace all rubber hoses with braided stainless steel hoses that are resistant to cracks and leaks, and therefore last much longer.
3. Prevent blockages
Debris, soap and hair enter the drain when you bath or shower, causing clogs and sewer backups. Drain strainers can be inserted into the drains to keep it from clogging your drains. You can also use a specific washing machine or dishwasher drain rinse once a month to loosen any build-up inside the drain pipes.
4. Add laundry strainers
Hardware stores sell strainers specifically designed to keep fluff and lint from the laundry from entering your laundry hose. Buy a strainer that is made specifically for a laundry hose and fit it according to the instructions. You will probably have to clean out the strainer every couple of months.
5. Prevent smells
Smaller households don't use their washing machines or dishwashers as frequently as bigger families, which is why the water in the drain trap seal evaporates, allowing sewer gases to back up into the home through the laundry sink drain. You can keep the trap seal full by periodically pouring a bucket of water down the drain.
6. Use a flood alarm
Speak to your Toronto plumber about installing a flood alarm to your water heater or washing machine. This alarm will warn when water is leaking from the appliance, or when it is overflowing the sinks. A flood alarm may seem like a trivial addition, but when you consider the costs and complications of repairing flood damage, you will see the value in this investment.
7. Prevent scalding
You can prevent scalding and conserve energy by checking your water heater's temperature setting. Mediu, on older water heaters, or 120 degrees Fahrenheit on newer models, is usually perfect.
8. Upgrade your appliances
If you still have your older machine, consider replacing it with a newer, more efficient front-loader. Some newer machines have load sensors, which means that you can wash anytime, as the machine will sense the correct amount of water and heat to use, thus saving water and energy.
Need help with your washing machine or dishwasher plumbing? Call Anta Plumbing at 416-231-3331 for more info. Our master Toronto plumbers are highly skilled at all types of plumbing and will restore your kitchen to working condition in no time.
