Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Teresa Merelman, Broker, Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VTPhone: (802) 793-5171
Email: [email protected]

Plumbing: Preventative Maintenance That Could Save You a Fortune

by Teresa Merelman, Broker 10/09/2024

Your home's pipes, toilets and other plumbing fixtures can develop leaks or other problems over time. Even minor plumbing problems can end up leading to serious water damage if they're not found early enough. Taking steps to keep your plumbing in good shape can help lower the risk of dealing with major plumbing issues. Performing the following preventive maintenance tasks on your home's plumbing can help you avoid unexpected repairs.

Check Appliances and Pipes for Leaks

Your fridge, washing machine, garbage disposal and other appliances can leak and cause water damage. Your pipes can also end up with leaks due to corrosion, wear and tear or other kinds of damage. You should check exposed pipes and your appliances for signs of leaks from time to time. Signs of leaks you should watch for include water puddles on the floor near appliances or under pipes and water stains on your ceilings or walls.

Check for Faucet and Shower Head Drips and Leaks

Shower heads and faucets dripping frequently can result in extensive water damage over time. Check these fixtures to make sure they're not dripping, and, keep in mind, even a slow drip can damage your home and waste water.

You should also search for leaks from these fixtures, such as under your bathroom or kitchen sink. Finding and fixing drips and leaks helps prevent them from causing major damage to your home.

Check for Toilet Leaks

Toilets can develop leaks due to faulty seals or other problems. A leaky toilet can damage your home and cause significant waste of water over time. Check your toilets for leaks, such as water around these fixtures. Toilets with leaks might also run constantly. If you discover a toilet leak, make repairs right away to reduce the risk of water damage.

Drain Your Water Heater

Sediment can build up in your water heater, which can cause it to run less effectively. Depending on how much sediment is inside your water heater, you should drain it once or twice a year. This helps ensure your water heater keeps working properly.

Unclog Drains

Slow drains can lead to severe leaks and other major problems if they're not fixed. Unclog drains with hot water and vinegar every few months or as often as needed. You might need professional plumbing repairs done for stubborn or persistent clogs.

About the Author
Author

Teresa Merelman, Broker

 Teresa's beginnings were at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. She was child #5 of 8 and born into an Air Force family that moved all over the United States but usually ended up back in the Washington, D.C. area. Teresa attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and received her bachelor's degree in business from George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia. Some of her prior careers include: computer buyer in Fairfax, Virginia; Deputy Clerk at the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado; Police Officer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Bed & Breakfast owner in Stowe, Vermont. Teresa obtained her license as a Realtor® in 1998. She has been through many ups and downs in this profession and continues to learn every day. She very much enjoys the real estate profession and the wonderful people she has met and assisted along the way. In order to serve her clients and customers, Teresa continually attends classes and seminars. Some of her Designations and Certifications include: 

  • ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative (2003)
  • CBR - Certified Buyer Representative (2000)
  • e-PRO - Internet Certified Professional (2001)
  • CNHS - Certified New Home Specialist (2005)
  • CRS - Certified Residential Specialist (2005)
  • AHS - Accredited Home-Stager Specialist (2008)
  • TRC - Transaction Referral Certification (2009)
  • RSPS - Resort and Second Home Specialist (2009)
  • GREEN - NAR's Green Designation (2009) 
  • SFR - Short Sales & Foreclosures Certification (2009) 
  • SRES - Senior Real Estate Specialist Designation (2012)
  • AHWD - At Home With Diversity (2021)
  • SRS - Seller Representative Specialist (2021)

Teresa has also served and continues to serve on several boards:

  • Lamoille Area Board of Realtors - President and Board of Directors
  • Vermont Association of Realtors - Board of Directors
  • NEREN (MLS) - Board of Directors and Shareholder 
  • Vermont Real Estate Commission - as a member of VAR's Liaison Committee
  • Stowe Vibrancy - Board of Directors - this is a volunteer group that promotes activities in the Village of Stowe

In 2007, Teresa was named Vermont Realtor of the Year.Teresa and her husband, a local attorney, moved to Stowe in 1987. They had two sons and Stowe has been their home for the past 36 years. She still feels the Stowe area is a wonderful place to raise a family, there's always something going on. Teresa can often be found behind the lens of her camera documenting the beauty of the area and its many events.As an update, Teresa's older son is now a Doctor/resident at the University of New Mexico's Emergency Management Program. Her younger son graduated from James Mason University and currently resides in Chicago, IL as a supervisor for OKTA.