A “Sweet 16” Plumbing New Year’s Resolutions

January 21, 2026

Have you made your New Year’s resolutions for 2026? Most likely they will include some of the following: saving money, eating better, exercising, losing weight, learning new skills, reading more, and improving mental well-being. You probably haven’t made any resolutions related to your home’s plumbing. So, we have taken the opportunity to give you our “sweet 16” plumbing resolutions.

  1. Have a whole house plumbing inspection. This can address many of the resolutions below in one fell swoop. A whole house plumbing inspection identifies small problems before they become big ones, provides numerous health benefits, and keeps you in compliance with local codes
  2. Timely winter resolution – insulate your pipes. Insulation will help protect your pipes from freezing and potentially bursting.
  3. Another timely winter resolution. When it is bitter cold out, keep a trickle of water coming from each of your faucets.
  4. And one more. Open cabinets door to warm the pipes during frigid weather.
  5. Flush only what should be flushed. That includes ONLY toilet paper and human waste. No diapers, wipes, hair, feminine products, cotton balls, tissue, etc.
  6. Same thing with garbage disposals. Do not put fibrous foods, grease, eggshells, coffee grounds bones, pits, and seeds down the drain; they will harm the disposal. Also, only grind with cold water.
  7. Use drain catchers. They are better than chemical drain cleaners, which are a health hazard as well as harmful to your pipes.
  8. Fix leaks ASAP. Whether they are in the toilets, faucets or elsewhere, fix those small leaks promptly before they become more expensive repairs. Additionally, fixing small leaks will reduce your water bill.
  9. Install low-flow faucets and fixtures. Items like low-flow toilets and showerheads, as well as aerated faucets, conserve water and reduce your water bill.
  10. The same holds true with appliances. Newer appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines will also use less water.
  11. Keep the water healthy. You can do that by investing in a water filtration system if the water in your house is hard, which you would know if your hair and skin become dry, your water tastes bad, and/or your dishes are stained.
  12. Save water while doing the routine. Turn off the water when shaving, brushing your teeth, etc.
  13. Save more water. Wash only full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine. And be sure to use the dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand.
  14. Drain and flush the water heater. Do that once a year.
  15. Take care of your sewer line. To prevent flooding, have your sewer line rodded once a year and have a video inspection to make sure the pipes are not damaged.
  16. Test your sump pump. Pour water down the pit to make sure it works. And make sure you have a battery backup. If the sump pump fails or the power goes out, you need a battery backup to prevent flooding.

Resolve to Contact Ravinia Plumbing for Expert Plumbing Assistance

Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric’s experienced and licensed plumbers can maintain and make repairs to your existing plumbing system and install new plumbing products as needed. Our customers have relied on us since 1928 (that’s 98 years!) for quality products, knowledgeable technicians, and superior service, including 24/7/365 emergency service. That is why we have made a name for ourselves as the most trusted plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical company in Chicago’s North Shore and Northwest suburbs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.