402-592-2700Laundry Room Tips and Maintenance
- Run the washing machine only when it has a full load.
- Inspect washing machine hoses for signs of wear. Replace rubber hoses with stainless steel braided hoses. They last longer and are resistant to leaks and cracks.
- Ensure that all drains have strainers to keep hair, soap and debris from entering and clogging the drain lines.
- Use a strainer on your washing machine hose. Hardware stores have strainers specially designed to fit laundry hoses.
- Check exposed pipes under sinks for signs of leaks.
- Apply Roto-Rooter® Pipe Shield® to laundry drain lines once each month to keep lint and detergent scum from building up and causing clogs.
- To prevent sewer gases from backing up into your home through your laundry sink drain or other infrequently used drains, periodically pour a bucket of water down the drain to keep the trap seal full.
- Install a flood alarm to warn of water from the washing machine or water heater leaking from the appliance or overflowing sinks.
- Conserve energy and prevent scalding by checking the temperature setting on your water heater. It should not be above 120oF or medium setting on older models.
- Consider replacing a worn out washing machine with a more efficient front-load model.
Never store flammable liquids such as gasoline, adhesives or solvents near the water heater, furnace or other gas-fired appliance as they may ignite.