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Take a few steps before cold weather arrives. Disconnect, drain and store your garden hoses. If your home has interior shut-off valves for outdoor faucets, close them, then open the outside faucet and drain out all the water. You can leave it open so any remaining water can expand without bursting the pipe.

Homemade hook method

1. Straighten a wire coat hanger and bend one end into a hook no more than a half-inch wide.
2. Remove the drain cover (mind any screws so they don't fall in).
3. Push the hook down until you reach the bottom of the trap.
4. Twist and work it to catch the clog, then pull it out and shake the hair into the trash.
5. Repeat, going deeper each time, until the hook comes up clean. Run hot water to confirm the drain flows.

Plunger method

Use a flat (sink) plunger with at least an inch of standing water over the drain. Seal the cup over the drain and pump firmly 15–20 times before pulling away. If the water drains fast, you've cleared it; if not, repeat or call us.

Planning and maintenance prevent most failures. If you haven't heard your pump run recently, test it by pouring a five-gallon bucket of water into the pit — the pump should turn on, clear most of the water, then shut off. Make sure the discharge line's airhole is clear and the float switch isn't restrained by tangled cords. Remove gravel from the pit and keep the intake screen clear of debris. If you have a battery backup, test it a few times a year and note when the battery is due for replacement.

Small habits add up. Turn the heater down from the default 140°F to 120°F — plenty of hot water, less energy, no scald risk. Take shorter showers and skip baths. Turn the tap off while shaving or brushing. Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry, use shorter cycles, and choose cold water when you can. If your unit is old and inefficient, consider a modern high-efficiency or tankless replacement.

“Hard water” contains dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. It's not unsafe, but it leaves stains and buildup on sinks, faucets and tubs, builds up inside pipes and appliances, and keeps soap from lathering — leaving skin dry and dishes spotty. A water softener removes those minerals: soap lathers freely, skin feels better, laundry comes out cleaner, appliances run more efficiently, and your plumbing lasts longer.