From plumbing systems to chimneys and dryer vents, we have great tips and advice to prevent any issues and maintain all of your equipment:

Plumbing

You can use the following tips and advice for the prevention of problems and maintenance of your home plumbing systems:

• Know where your water shut-off valve is located and be sure that the entire family knows how to shut off household water supplies in the event of a sudden pipe or hose break
• Inspect your plumbing annually for releases - especially around water heaters, washers, dishwashers, sinks, bathrooms, and refrigerator icemakers
• Turn off water when you go on vacation and never leave appliances such as dishwashers, washers, or dryers still operating when you're not home
• Caulk window and door cracks, clean out gutters and downspouts regularly and let faucets connected to vulnerable pipes drip during extremely cold weather

Chimney

It pays to keep your chimney fully maintained, for your home and your own health. You can use the following problem prevention and maintenance tips to help keep your chimney clean and save:

• Do not bank fires or close dampers to prolong burning
• Burn properly aged wood, not green wood
• Burn fires hot to minimize creosote buildup
• Regularly check the outside parts of your chimney and any connection points for any visible damage
• Capping chimneys prevent wildlife from entering and protects against water damage - further preserving the integrity of the chimney masonry
• Have your chimney annually inspected by a Petro chimney professional for any structural damage, and cleaned as needed

Dryer vents

Did you know that dryers with lint-clogged vents can cost you up to $24 more per month to run? And, over 15,000 home fires are caused each year by clogged dryer vents!

Our chimney service professionals can help ensure your dryer vents are clean to make your dryer more energy-efficient, prolong its life and further reduce the risk of fire in your home. The facts are cut and dry: a clean dryer vent leads to a safer and more efficient home comfort system. Use the following tips and helpful advice to help keep your dryer vent clean and safe:

• Clean the lint screen/filter before or after drying each load of clothes
• Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct periodically to make sure air is escaping
• Clean behind the dryer, where lint can build up
• Replace plastic or foil, accordion-type ducting material with rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct
• Take special care when drying clothes soiled with volatile chemicals such as gasoline, cooking oils, cleaning agents, or finishing oils and stains