Georgetown Edition | July 2022

2022 REAL ESTATE EDITION

EMPHASIZING ENERGY EFFICIENCY While the U.S. Department of Energy recommends a professional assessment of a home’s energy eciency, it is also possible for homeowners to perform one on their own. Here is a list of areas to check when assessing a home’s energy usage.

ASK A PLUMBER

Lloyd Peach, the responsible master plumber with GTX Plumbing & Drain, answered questions about common plumbing problems.

remember that with a garbage disposal you need a little bit of food and a lot of water. We recommend taking your ice tray out and dumping it into the sink with the disposal, lling the sink up and pulling the plug to let it clean out your pipes. WHEN DO PLUMBING PROJECTS ESCALATE FROM SOMETHING A HOMEOWNER CAN TAKE ON THEMSELVES TO NEEDING TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL? A lot of that has to do with the comfort and skill level of the homeowner. It’s Texas, so there’s a lot of old farm hands who can do it. We also have an “ask a master plumber” service and can Facetime with people to walk them through problems and send them Amazon links to the parts they need. At least that way they know they really need a plumber.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON PLUMBING ISSUES HOMEOWNERS COME ACROSS? Basically everything falls into two categories: Either water isn’t where it’s supposed to be or it is where it shouldn’t be. So, people either have a stoppage or a leak. WHAT PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE CAN HOMEOWNERS TAKE TO KEEP THEIR PLUMBING SYSTEM WORKING CORRECTLY? One of the primary things that we’re coming across this year is that a lot of air conditioners drain under [a hall or guest bathroom] sink and, because it’s not chlorinated water, algae and fungi form. Homeowners need to pour a cup of chlorine down the sink to prevent this. We also run across garbage disposals not being operated properly. You have to

AIR LEAKS Air leaks can save up to 20% on energy per year if addressed. In addition to leaking windows and doors, check for leaks on baseboards or where dierent building materials meet. Leaks can be sealed or plugged with caulk or weather stripping. LIGHTING When replacing bulbs, residents can consider LEDS as well as energy- saving incandescent bulbs. Electric utilities may oer rebates for purchasing energy-ecient lamps. INSULATION Depending on building ages, insulation may not be up to standard. Checking attics, walls near outlets and basements can ensure heat losses are kept to a minimum. Wall insulation may require a thermographic evaluation. APPLIANCES Energy use for appliances can be estimated using the energy guide label on the appliance itself or by using an electricity usage monitor. Unplugging appliances in between uses can keep them from drawing unused electricity. HEATING AND COOLING The U.S. Department of Energy recommends upgrading systems older than 15 years. Checking ductwork for dirt streaks can reveal air leaks, which can be sealed.

Lloyd Peach Responsible master plumber GTX Plumbing & Drain 512-688-7442 www.gtxplumbing.com

SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGYCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

COURTESY GTX PLUMBING & DRAIN

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GEORGETOWN EDITION • JULY 2022