Flush Cold-Water Faucets
Before you use water for cooking, drinking, or making baby formula, it’s a good idea to flush your cold-water faucets. If a faucet hasn’t been used for a few hours or more, let the water run for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, or until it feels cooler. This helps bring in fresh water and can reduce any lead that might be in your home’s plumbing.
Clean Faucet Screens
At the tip of most faucets, there is an aerator screen that mixes air into the water to reduce water use. However, these screens can trap dirt and metals from your pipes and hot water tank, which can affect taste and odor and block water flow. Make sure to regularly clean these screens and replace them if needed. You can usually twist them off to remove them, but you might need a wrench to loosen the aerator.
Household Water Filtration Devices
The water that comes to your home meets all federal and state drinking water standards. Using a home water filter is a personal choice. If you have one, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintaining it. Unmaintained water filters can cause more harm than good, so make sure to keep them in good condition.
Contact HomeSmiles Today
For more tips on water safety and other great preventative home maintenance tips to help you keep up your investment in your home and avoid costly repairs down the road, contact us today.
