Get matched with top affordable plumbers in Green Forest, AR

When outside temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, your pipes are at risk of freezing. To prevent this, especially when you are away from home, set your thermostat to a range of 55 to 60 degrees to provide enough warmth. Maintaining this temperature can help you avoid costly water damage from burst pipes.

In most cases, it’s better to repair a toilet than to replace it. Fixing issues like low water levels, running water, and flushing problems is less expensive than buying a new unit. Start thinking about replacement if the toilet is cracked, using excessive amounts of water, or is over 15 years old. Newer models are more water-efficient and clog less often than older models.

To bleed air from the pipes, start by turning off the main water supply. Then, starting with the faucet that’s closest to the water valve, open each of your faucets halfway, making sure to open both hot and cold options if they’re separate. This allows the air to escape the pipes. Once all faucets are open, turn your water supply back on and let the water run for 10 to 15 minutes until the faucets stop sputtering.

That pesky faucet leak can have a few different causes, most of which are standard wear and tear that occurs over time, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying, especially when the energy bill hits:

• Old washer: A deteriorated washer or gasket is the most common cause of a leak. Luckily, it’s easy and affordable to fix.

• Old packing nut: There’s a chance the packing nut (located beneath the handle) is loose and simply needs tightening, or it has been worn down, stripped, and needs to be replaced.

• Freezing temperatures: The water sitting in your spigot over winter can freeze, expand, and lead to damage and leaks.

• High water pressure: High water pressure is hard on pipes over time and can cause cracks and leaks, too.