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Your dishwashers, garbage disposals, and water heaters need to be maintained for them to work efficiently. Below are some helpful tips you can use to ensure that your appliances will last longer.

Contact a plumber in Mansfield, TX if you need help with either repairs or installations.

Dishwasher

1. Clean the Filters

Take time to regularly clean the dishwasher’s filters once or twice a month to get rid of dirt build-up and bad odors. You need to check the manufacturer’s manual first and see what type of filters your dishwasher has and then follow instructions on how to properly clean the filters. Manual filters will need to be taken out and properly cleaned to ensure efficiency. To clean, remove the filters and gently hand wash with warm water and soap. Let it dry before putting it back in the dishwasher. If you do not know how to take the filters out, speak with a plumber in Mansfield, TX for assistance.

2. Use the Dishwasher Properly

Before using the dishwasher, do make sure that you read the manual to ensure that you are indeed using it correctly. Properly loading the dishes can make your dishwasher work efficiently. Heavy cycles are for your pots and pans while the fragile items are for the lighter cycles. Grease is not good for the drains so if you see grease in your dishes, make sure that you remove them first before washing them in the dishwasher. Doing this can prevent clogged drains.

Additionally, never overload your dishwasher or put all of the dishes in one corner. You will not be able to clean them properly – imagine the number of gallons of water you waste when you re-wash them. Also, avoid washing just a few dishes to save water. For problems with your dishwasher, hire a plumber. Or call your manufacturer if the problem is with the appliance.

3. Use Vinegar Solution to Get Rid of Buildup

White vinegar is a good cleaning solution, especially for your dishwasher. It can remove food particles that are stuck inside. Place a container on either the top or bottom rack of the dishwasher and position it in the middle. Now pour a cup of vinegar into the container and close the dishwasher. Run it on a hot water cycle. Wait until the vinegar breaks down all the residue inside. You can do this regularly or you can also call a plumber in Mansfield, TX if you need help with any dishwasher-related issue.

4. Clean the Spinning Arms

The spray arms are responsible for cleaning the dishes so they need to be maintained as well. The holes in them can become clogged so make sure that you use a toothbrush or any brush for removing the food particles or debris stuck on the little holes. Regularly clean the dishwasher and all of its components to ensure it works efficiently and you won’t have problems down the road. Otherwise, call a plumber in Mansfield, TX for assistance.

5. Clean the Dishwasher’s Seal

It’s important that the dishwasher’s gasket or seal isn’t broken or water will leak out on the floor. You wouldn’t want this as water can damage your flooring. What you can do is clean the seal at least once a month. You can still use the vinegar and water solution to clean the seal. Call a plumber in Mansfield, TX if you need anything else.

6. Clean the Dishwasher Drain

It’s important that you clean the dishwasher drain regularly so it doesn’t clog. Keep in mind that you may need to call a plumber in Mansfield, TX if you do not know how to remove the cover of the drain.

7. Use Citrus Drink to Remove Unwanted Smell

To freshen the smell of your dishwasher, don’t forget to fill your detergent holder with a powdered citrus drink and then run an empty cycle. Doing this can also help remove unwanted smells in your dishwasher. If there are molds in the dishwasher, consider using bleach to remove them. Put bleach on your detergent holder and run an empty cycle again. Make sure that you do not use bleach with vinegar. If you do not know how to properly clean your dishwasher, just consult the manual. You may also contact a plumber in Mansfield, TX for assistance.

8. Check the Edges and the Exterior

The bad odor coming from your dishwasher may come from the exterior of the dishwasher or around the edges. The edges do not really get washed during a regular cycle and may have lots of spills or food particles in them. Use a damp cloth for wiping that spot. You can also check under the door, the flatware basket, and the detergent dispenser.

Garbage Disposal

9. Throw Only Food Scraps in Your Disposal

Your garbage disposal may help you get rid of food particles but it’s not designed to grind other items such as large animal bones, metal, plastic. Try to also avoid throwing away grease or fat in your garbage disposal. Keep in mind that spaghetti and rice can clog your garbage disposal as well. Learn to manage your food waste at home so your disposal doesn’t suffer. If you’re having problems, make sure that you contact a plumber in Mansfield, TX.

10. Run the Garbage Disposal Using Cold Water

After using your garbage disposal, make sure that you pour dish soap down the drain and then run cold water after. That will combat the foul-smelling odors at your disposal and also keep it clean. To get rid of grease and oil in the drain, run the garbage disposal using cold water. For drain problems, contact a professional plumber in your area.

11. Break Up Large Food Scraps Before Putting them in the Disposal

Make it a habit to always break down large food scraps first before putting them at your disposal. Otherwise, it will only strain the disposal’s motor. First, it will reduce its efficiency and it will eventually die on you. It may not be able to grind well too especially if your motor isn’t too heavy. Give your disposal a helping hand by taking the time to break down large objects. If you really do not want to, just avoid throwing them at the disposal and get rid of them in some other way. If you’re having problems with the disposal’s motor, make sure that you contact a plumber.

12. Never Use Chemical Drain Cleaners

You should never use chemical drain cleaners for your garbage disposals or for your drains. This type of cleaners can damage your disposal. If you want to avoid costly repairs and replacements, contact a plumber instead so they can help you properly deal with any problems with your garbage disposal.

If your garbage disposal is acting up, you do not need to call a plumber immediately. Press the reset button first and try running it again. Call a professional only when it still doesn’t work after resetting it.

Also, make sure that you are careful when you retrieve something at your disposal. Turn everything off first, for safety purposes. You can also just call a plumber so they can retrieve it for you. Professionals are equipped with tools that can help them do things safely and properly.

13. Grind Ice Cubes and Citrus Fruits

Once a month, considering grinding ice cubes in your garbage disposal to sharpen their blades and to also clear away any food particles stuck on the garbage disposal’s walls. The citrus fruits can combat the bad smells and freshen your garbage disposal. If the smells do not go away, contact a plumber in your area for assistance.

Water Heater

14. Hire Licensed Plumber for Water Heater Installation

You may think that you are able to save some money when you install a water heater on your own or by hiring an inexperienced handyman. The truth is – it’s always better to have a professional to ensure the proper installation of your water heater. When you make a mistake, it might be difficult to undo it or it would cost you more in repairs or replacements. To be on the safe side, hire a professional only.

15. Know The Type of Water Heater You Have

If you bought a home already equipped with a water heater, it would be best to know the type of water heater installed in that home. You need to know the gallon capacity and how old the water heater is. Knowing how old the water heater is would help you determine whether it only needs repair or it’s time to completely replace it. It is also wiser to check for the warranty information on the heater, just in case. If you are having problems with it, do not hesitate to contact a plumber in your area so they can assist.

16. Lower the Temperature

When you lower the water heater’s temperature, the energy costs are reduced and the risk of scalding for children and the elderly decreases. But avoid setting it too low either. If you have a conventional water heater, consider insulating it so you do not lose more energy.

17. Check the Pressure Relief Valve

In some cases, your water heater could explode especially when there is too much pressure built up. You can release the pressure through the pressure relief valve. Before using it though, make sure that you check if it’s indeed working or not. Homeowners who do not know how to do this should contact a professional.

18. Inspect your Water Heater

Periodically check your water heater to catch potential problems that may lead to costly repairs or replacements. Take time to check its efficiency and if there’s no leak. You may also hire a professional to help you regularly check your water heater to ensure that it still works efficiently and there are no potential issues.

19. Flush Your Water Heater

Over time, sediment and other debris will start to collect at the bottom of your water heater tank. This can significantly decrease the efficiency of your water heater. You can avoid this when you drain the tank for about 5 minutes or until all the sediment build-up comes out of the drainage hose. After flushing it all out, turn the drainage valve off and turn the heater back on. If you do not want to do this yourself, you can always contact a plumber for assistance.

20. Insulate the Pipes

Apart from insulating the tanks, the pipes need to be insulated too. You need to insulate the water heater pipes, especially during the winter months when they will likely freeze. You may contact a professional to help you with this.

21. Replace the Air Intake Filter and Anode Rod

The filters keep debris and dirt away from the water heater and help it function more effectively. The anode rod, on the other hand, needs to be replaced every 5 years or it can wreak havoc in your water heater tank. Contact a professional in your area for assistance.

22. Know When to Replace Water Heater

If you keep having problems with your water heater, consider replacing it if it’s more than 10 years old. It may be cost-effective to get a replacement instead of having to pay for repairs. You may contact a professional to help you decide whether it’s time to get a new replacement.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth

Do you need a plumber in Mansfield, TX? Do not hesitate to call us today! We are more than happy to assist you with any plumbing repairs, installations, or maintenance. All of our professionals are experienced and can help you resolve the problem during the first appointment. Get in touch with us at Benjamin Franklin of Fort Worth today!