by Softswine

Created on: May 25, 2008   Last Updated: May 29, 2008

"If it's not broken, don't fix it." Words of wisdom? Well, what do you consider broken? "All I have to do is turn the handle a little harder and the drips stop." This is actually a very good time to consider doing a little research in locating a qualified plumbing contractor such as myself. What seems to be as simple as a minor drip can escalate to some potential health hazards and property damage if ignored. Humor me for a moment or two and hear some of what I've learned in over 30 years as a "plunger-pusher". Hopefully you'll save some money by spending a minimal amount in preventive maintenance rather than a fortune in major repairs.

That extra effort pressed on your faucet handle is squeezing a rubber washer which blocks the flow of water through your tap. The more you squeeze it the less effective it becomes until it finally breaks down and no longer blocks the flow of water at all. Okay, now it's broken... call a plumber, fix it. Between the time that you noticed the first drip and the time you decided to call a plumber that tap dripped again and you turned it a little harder, dripped again and so on. At the tip of your tap, tap-tip... tip-tap, anyway, is a device called an aerator. This device is designed to have the water forced through a quick series of holes and a screen in order to introduce air into the water thus giving you that soft, full feel as it comes out.

No matter how the domestic water is supplied to your home there are minute traces of impurities. Under normal conditions these particles present no health hazards whatsoever. The slow drip that you ceased by eventually "cranking" on the faucet handle has allowed these particles to settle in this aerator by not being forced through with normal water flow. Now each time you use the faucet the level of the impurities has increased to what could become hazardous. Do the math. Not a nice thought is it? Since most of your faucets were probably installed at the same time, if there is a slight drip at one then it is likely that another is soon to develop the same symptom. This brings us back to the first paragraph and the suggestion of locating a qualified plumber.

Most reputable plumbing companies are happy to offer a maintenance program at a contract fee quite justifiable compared to the cost of emergency repairs. They will wish to discuss your plumbing structure and it's usage in order to recommend a program to fit your budget. A genuine concern will include affordable upgrades to products requiring less maintenance and a schedule of customer-friendly procedures which can prolong the life of your plumbing fixtures and instill your confidence in their service. Listen well at these interviews but do not employ a contractor who is reluctant to offer you the same ear.

If I've sparked some interest for you and you wish a little more input then feel free to go to www.rollintheplumber.com.

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