The best way to save money on plumbing is to prevent the emergency before it starts. Spend 20 minutes this January doing these 5 things to protect your home all year long.

 

1. The "Date Night" with Your Water Heater

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Check that manufacture date. If your tank is over 10 years old, 2026 is the year to start a "Replacement Fund" so a leak doesn't catch your bank account off guard.

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• Action: Find your manufacture date and use our Retirement Tool.

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2. The "Food-Only" Diet for Drains

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Resolutions aren't just for people! Resolve to keep "F.O.G." (Fats, Oils, and Grease) out of your kitchen sink. Even if you have a disposal, grease acts like glue for clogs in our cold Nevada winters.

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• Action: Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing them.

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3. The "Ghost Hunt"

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Check every toilet in the house for a silent leak.

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• Action: Drop 3 drops of food coloring in the tank. Wait 15 minutes. If color shows up in the bowl without flushing, you have a "Ghost Flush" that’s wasting money.

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4. Exercise Your Valves

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Main shut-off valves and the valves under your sinks can "seize up" if they aren't moved for years. If a pipe bursts, you don't want to find out then that your valve is stuck.

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• Action: Turn your shut-off valves off and back on once to keep them loose and working.

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5. Clear the Vents

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Northern Nevada snow and ice can sometimes block the plumbing vent pipes on your roof. If your sinks start "glug-glugging," it might be a venting issue.

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• Action: Do a visual check from the ground to make sure your roof vents look clear of debris or heavy ice buildup.

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Need a Hand with Your Resolutions?

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If you find a "Ghost Flush" or a valve that won't budge, don't sweat it. Give us a call at (775) 389-7651 and we’ll help you start 2026 with a leak-free home!