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BUSINESS AND TRAINING
calling you out for advice or assistance on the checklist is a great deal cheaper than loss of water which could be over a period of months as they notice the water and electricity bill creeping higher and higher before discovering there ’ s a leak !
Benefits of preventive maintenance
• Big savings from small fixes
• Catch small problems before they become big ones
• Protects home from major failures
• Avoids inconvenience
• Avoids messy situations
• Makes repairs affordable
Suggestion for opening message We at ( name of plumbing company ) appreciate that you do not want to waste money . As part of the ongoing service to you as our valued customer , we are leaving this Plumbing Checklist to assist you to been on the lookout for potential plumbing problems , which , when caught in time , will save you money .
Leaking taps or pipes are not only going to get worse but cost you in water and electricity wastage .
Appliances
• Run dishwasher at night to maintain good pressure during the day
• Check all hoses for kinking . Listen to water flow in dishwasher / washing machine .
• Check refrigerator if installed to water supply and replace water and ice filter twice per annum .
• For washing machines , ensure valves stop the flow when shut off .
Water heater ( geyser )
• Check for overflow . Indicative of valves problem
• Check for any leaks around the geyser at valve and water supply and outlets
• Have a professional check your geyser . Have tank flushed every three years as this removes the accumulated dirt that gathers which reduces the efficiency of the geyser .
• Replace thermostat annually .
Main drain / sewer Have an annual clean out of the sewer to avoid costly pipe replacement . If many trees are around this should be done more frequently .
We are here to assist should you require any advice . ( Contact numbers , names of contact at office – create that personal feeling ).
The Checklist : Bathroom inspection
• Toilet – colourant will show leaks
• Lift lid to check no overflow
• Check seal
• Taps / Mixers at basin , shower , bath , and appliances ( replace poor condition washers / cartridges , calcium build up and condition )
• Check water pressure ( too high-pressure places stress on pipes and fittings )
• Check aerators / clean calcium build up
Drains
• Check drainage is clear ( swirl or vortex )
• Remove drain traps to remove hair and debris
• Check sealant along sanitaryware especially shower ensuring no gaps to avoid water getting behind the walls .
• Look for signs of leaks ( water stains or small puddles )
Kitchen inspection
• Sink : clean drain with mild solution to break up regular build-up .
• Avoid using chemicals clog removers as this may damage pipes and fittings as well as cement bonding for PVC pipes .
• Avoid scraps of food , cooking oils and liquid grease going down the drain .
• Monitor strainer area and the P-Trap ( replace and tighten fittings if necessary )
• Ensure no leaking taps / mixers on sink and any appliances in kitchen .
• Check beneath sink for rotting wood that may indicate a leak .
( Quoted from plumbermag . com 25 October 2021 from a fourth generation plumber , Pat Armbrust ).
“ Most of my calls are about problems at hand . I take pride in fixing that problem at hand and putting that customer at ease ,” he says . “ But we are there not only to fix the immediate problem . We want to provide solutions to future problems , as well .
“ Recognising tomorrow ’ s problems is accomplished by going the extra mile in evaluating an issue . It means taking the time on a service call to educate a customer about how the current condition of a plumbing fixture or drain could lead to a future problem . It is giving customers an advanced warning .
“ A customer might decide not to do anything that day , but if we provide the information , they have been given what they need to make a decision when the time comes . We look to partner with our customers for as long as they own their home or business .”
Armbrust says he believes the newest generation of home and business owners is especially interested in being given all the information they need to anticipate future issues .
“ They want to know how much an eventual fix will cost . They don ’ t want to be blindsided by extras . They don ’ t want to worry about unknowns . And that ’ s who we are as a company . We want to be there for our customers , so they don ’ t have to worry .” PA
“ In doing this , one creates a comfort for the customer that you are there for them .”
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline February 2022 Volume 27 I Number 12