Plumbing emergencies are stressful and costly, often occurring at the most inconvenient times. Preventative plumbing maintenance can help reduce the risk and associated costs of these disasters.

If you notice your sinks draining slower than usual or see water pooling in your basement, it’s time to call a plumber. A little preventative maintenance from a professional plumber can save you from major flooding, sewage backups, and expensive repair bills. Contact Cleveland Plumbers for more information.

1. Install a Water Heater

The water heater is a vital part of any home. It provides hot water for cooking, washing clothes, showers and more. But without proper maintenance, it can fail.

While you might be tempted to install your new water heater yourself, it is recommended to hire a professional. Not only can they help you install the unit correctly, but they can also perform a routine inspection and flush your system to remove sediment buildup that reduces efficiency and shortens the life of the unit.

In addition, they can test the pressure release valve to make sure it is working correctly. If the valve isn’t working, it could lead to a burst water heater. They can also help you find drafty areas of your house that need to be insulated to prevent pipes from freezing in the cold weather. A leaking pipe can cause a lot of damage in just a few hours and lead to flooding, mold and mildew, and even structural problems.

Performing preventative plumbing maintenance is like popping the hood of your car every now and then to look at the fluid levels, hoses and battery. By doing this regularly, you can catch problems when they are small and inexpensive to fix. This will save you money and stress in the long run and protects your investment. The same is true for your home’s pipes and other plumbing components.

2. Install a Water Filter

A water filter is a great way to prevent bacteria and other harmful contaminants from getting into your household plumbing. The first step is to choose a location for the filter and shut off valves. You’ll want to make sure that it’s easy to access so you can change the filter regularly. Next, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble the filter system and attach it to the water lines. It’s important to use Teflon tape on all of the fitting connections, as this will help to ensure a leak-free seal. Finally, turn the water back on and check for any leaks around the connections.

Leaks are the most common and expensive of all plumbing problems. You should make a point to check your plumbing for leaks at least once a week, looking in toilets and sinks for obvious signs of damage like water stains or musty odors. You can also check under appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers for leaking pipes.

You should also make a habit of unclogging drains as soon as they slow down to prevent them from clogging completely. It’s also important to avoid flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper, as items like tampons, food waste, grease, and wipes can form solid masses that clog your drains. Finally, be sure to install pipe insulation in cold areas like crawl spaces and garages to prevent frozen and burst pipes.

3. Install a Water Softener

Whether you live in a city with hard water or have your own well, installing a water softener can significantly reduce the mineral content of your home’s supply. This can prevent the buildup of minerals in plumbing fixtures and help extend their lifespan.

Water softeners work by essentially filtering the water, so it doesn’t contain the minerals that can cause clogs and other issues. The system typically consists of a small tank that sits inside (or next to) a larger one, with the resin drawing calcium and magnesium from the water and holding it. A brine tank then contains the salt used to regenerate the resin, and a drain tube connects both tanks to the household plumbing.

In addition to a water softener, you should also consider other ways to keep your plumbing in top condition. For example, locating and knowing how to shut off your home’s main water valve can help you limit damage in the event of an emergency.

Another important step is educating all members of your household about proper plumbing practices. This includes teaching them what can and cannot be flushed or poured down drains. This can help avoid items like paper towels, “flushable wipes” that aren’t actually flushable, feminine hygiene products, grease, and other wastes from clogging pipes and sewer lines. While it may take more time and effort, educating your family on plumbing best practices can go a long way towards avoiding a plumbing disaster.

4. Install a Backflow Prevention Device

For many homeowners, backflow incidents can lead to significant medical expenses, property damage and even litigation. That’s because contamination from backflow can contaminate drinking water with chemicals, pesticides, bacteria and other harmful substances.

Fortunately, this type of contamination can easily be prevented with the help of a backflow prevention device. Backflow preventers are specifically designed to make sure that non-potable water stays out of your potable water supply, and they do so by creating an air gap. They also include a pressure relief valve that is designed to eliminate any excess water pressure caused by thermal expansion and keep your pipes safe from damage.

There are several different types of backflow preventers on the market, but RPZ (reduced pressure zone) devices are often the best choice for residential properties. They use two check valves for redundancy, and they have a chamber between them that sits at a lower pressure than your existing pipes. When this device detects contaminated water, it will automatically eliminate the water by releasing pressure.

In addition to installing a backflow preventer, it’s important to regularly perform routine maintenance on your plumbing fixtures and to educate your family about proper plumbing practices. This can be as simple as teaching everyone in the household to always flush toilet paper and waste down a drain and never pour anything down a sink or garbage disposal. This can greatly reduce the amount of clogs in your house and prevent any potentially dangerous backflow issues.

5. Install a Clogged Drain Cleaner

Clogged drains create a lot of problems for homeowners, including foul odors that permeate the house and expensive sewer line repairs. They also put additional pressure on the drainpipes, shortening their lifespan. Dealing with clogged drains quickly can save you from more serious plumbing issues later.

One of the simplest preventative maintenance tips is to use a homemade clog cleaner on a regular basis. Pour baking soda and vinegar down a drain in small amounts to create a reaction that harmlessly loosens and removes debris from the pipes. Then rinse the drain with hot water. This helps to dissolve grease and sediments that can cause clogs. Do this a couple times a year to keep your drains flowing smoothly.

Avoiding clogged drains altogether is the best way to prevent expensive repairs and unpleasant problems. Watch what goes down the drains to ensure that things like food scraps, hair and wipes aren’t washing into the pipes. Only flush sewage waste and toilet paper down the toilet.

If you do encounter a clogged drain, call a plumber or make your own homemade clog snake. Many hardware stores sell long, flexible wire snakes that you can feed down the pipe to break up and remove the clog. Another option is to use a bent hanger wire with a hook on the end. Untwist the hanger and insert it into the clogged drain to jiggle the clog until you can hook it and pull it out.

6. Install a Faucet Filter

Like a car, a home’s plumbing system needs regular inspections and routine maintenance to ensure it runs smoothly. By doing so, homeowners can avoid stressful and expensive plumbing emergencies down the road.

Dripping faucets, running toilets, and minor leaks can quickly escalate into major problems if left unattended. Promptly addressing these issues can reduce water waste, save money on water bills, and prevent costly damage to fixtures and piping.

The drain sinks in your bathroom and kitchen are one of the easiest places for clogs to develop. A simple solution is to regularly check these drains and clear any debris that may have accumulated. You can also use a natural mixture of hot water, baking soda, and vinegar to dislodge stubborn clogs.

It’s important to perform a thorough visual inspection of your entire plumbing system on a regular basis. This should include looking at pipes in finished areas, checking for signs of leaks and rusting, and ensuring proper insulation. In addition, you should regularly check the temperature of your water to ensure it’s not too cold, which can cause pipes to freeze and burst.

Finally, it’s important to educate everyone in the household on proper plumbing practices and to teach them how to spot early warning signs such as water stains on walls or ceilings. Doing so will help to avoid unnecessary plumbing disasters and ensure a happy, healthy home!

The residential mortgage process is the main avenue by which you will become a homeowner. Steve Wilcox W/Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. involves underwriting and closing. On closing day, you will sign your mortgage loan documents, and the lender will transfer ownership of the property to you.

The mortgage process can be lengthy, but by staying organized and responding to requests promptly, you can help speed up the timeline.

Getting pre-approved is a great first step toward homeownership. It helps borrowers organize their finances and determine how much they can afford to spend on a home. It also allows borrowers to avoid looking at properties out of their price range. It can also speed up the mortgage process by showing sellers that you are a serious buyer.

To get pre-approved for a mortgage, you must complete a loan application with your lender. While each lender has its application, all will typically ask you to provide personal documents, income information, and financial assets. They will then conduct a credit check to verify your identity, employment history, and other important details. The mortgage process may take longer if you have complicated financial circumstances, such as debt or previous foreclosures on your credit.

After reviewing the application and checking your credit, the lender will issue a “Loan Estimate.” Within three business days, this document will tell you whether you are pre-approved for a mortgage and, if so, for how much. The Loan Estimate will also include the loan term, estimated monthly mortgage payment, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and interest rate.

A lender will usually only grant a preapproval if it is confident that you can afford the loan payments and other costs of homeownership. To help ensure you will be able to qualify for the loan, lenders may require that you bring a down payment of at least 5% of the home’s purchase price. If you cannot come up with this amount, you can use a gift from a family member or other source.

To expedite the preapproval process, ensure you have all your documentation together before you begin house hunting. Some lenders can complete the preapproval process in a few days or less, but others may take several weeks. Once the preapproval is completed, you will be ready to start offering homes in your price range.

There are a wide variety of mortgage lenders to choose from. Zillow’s mortgage marketplace makes finding the right lender for your unique needs easy. Mortgage lenders are generally categorized based on how they acquire or fund their loans and how they handle them after closing. The main categories are correspondent lenders, mortgage bankers, and non-depository/consumer direct lenders. Correspondent lenders typically originate and underwrite the loans but then sell them on the secondary market to other lending institutions. Mortgage bankers package and fund the loans they buy from other lenders but then sell them to Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae on the secondary market. Non-depository/consumer direct lenders offer a more personalized experience, typically offering the same products as their bigger counterparts but with fewer restrictions.

Once you’ve found a mortgage lender, the next step is to complete the loan application. This involves providing financial documents such as bank statements, pay stubs, and tax forms. Throughout the process, it’s important to avoid opening new lines of credit, taking on additional debt, or moving money around in your financial accounts (unless you need to liquidate assets for the purchase). These activities could affect your income and change your debt-to-income ratio, derailing your loan approval.

When choosing a lender, consider the loan’s interest rate, fees, and terms. You should also know if the lender has special programs for first-time homebuyers or buyers with a low debt-to-income ratio. Finally, ask the lender for a copy of their loan estimate, which they must provide within three days of receiving your application.

Residential mortgages allow you to borrow a chunk of money that you will use alongside a cash deposit to help you buy your new property. You will repay the mortgage loan in monthly installments plus added interest over a fixed term, usually up to 30 years. If you fail to make your payments, the mortgage lender has the legal right to take ownership of your property.

Refinancing your residential mortgage may be an option if you want to reduce the term of your loan, pay off your debt, or switch to a different lender. The process of refinancing a mortgage can be complex, so it’s crucial to have an experienced team on your side. A lender will look at the same factors as when you got your original mortgage: your income and assets, credit score, other debts, and the value of your property.

During the underwriting process, your mortgage lender verifies your income and other financial information to determine how risky it is to lend you money for a home. This includes reviewing your credit history, assets, and debts to assess your ability to repay the loan on time.

Typically, you’ll be asked to provide proof of your income (such as copies of paychecks), bank statements, and other sources of income, such as rental property or retirement accounts. You’ll also need to document any significant assets you may own, such as investments or a car.

Your lender will also review an appraisal of the home you’re buying to make sure it’s worth the purchase price. This helps reduce the lender’s risk by ensuring the property’s value is adequate collateral if you default on your mortgage.

The underwriter’s job is to make an educated guess about your ability to repay the loan based on the factors they evaluate, such as your previous payment history and current debt-to-income ratio. If the underwriter feels too much risk, they can deny your mortgage application or require a higher down payment.

It’s important to be an effective communicator throughout the underwriting process and respond quickly to any requests from your lender. Missing or incomplete documents and issues with the home’s value, title insurance, and mortgage appraisal are just a few things that can delay the closing of your mortgage.

Residential mortgages are loans from banks and building societies that enable you to buy a home. You use the mortgage alongside a cash deposit and pay it off over an agreed term with added interest. If you fail to make payments, the lender can repossess the property and recoup their money.

There are many steps in the residential mortgage process, but understanding how underwriting works can help you get closer to your dream of owning a home. Remember that you’re at the mercy of your lender and underwriter during this time, so wait to change anything on your credit report or close any financial accounts until after closing.

Residential mortgages are used to buy a home that will be the borrower’s primary residence. This is an important part of the home-buying process, as it provides a way for people to buy homes they would otherwise not be able to afford. Several types of residential mortgages are available, and they vary based on interest rates, payment options, and more.

The final step in the mortgage loan process is closing day. This is when the lender funds your mortgage and pays off the seller in exchange for the property title. This is also when you sign the legal documents that officially transfer ownership of your new home.

During the closing process, being patient and staying in contact with your lender is essential. They may ask you to provide additional documentation, such as proof of income, assets, and debts. Responding to these requests as soon as possible is important to avoid delays and keep your mortgage moving forward. In addition, it is a good idea to get a home inspection and shop for homeowner’s insurance during this time.

It is also important to avoid making significant changes to your financial situation, such as opening a new credit card or taking out a large cash advance. Your lender will run a detailed title search, and any further information you have could negatively impact your ability to close. Additionally, having some extra money on hand for closing costs is a good idea. These fees are typically around 2% – 6% of the purchase price of your home and include things like your appraisal, origination, and title insurance.

Closing can be done in person or over the phone, depending on your location and preferences. If you are having the closing conducted in person, it may take up to a few hours. Once everything is signed and finalized, you will receive the keys to your new home!