How to Protect Your Home from a Major Plumbing Issue
Plumbing emergencies aren’t fun, but they’re a part of home ownership. The worst is when a plumbing problem strikes at an inconvenient time, such as before a holiday or on a weekend.
Fortunately, you can prevent most plumbing issues by taking care of your plumbing system and avoiding bad habits that can lead to problems. You’ll not only avoid emergency repairs, but you won’t have to pay a lot of money for emergency calls.
Don’t Dump Grease Down Your Drains
If you have a habit of dumping grease from bacon or meat down your kitchen sink, you have a clog waiting to happen. Once it reaches room temperature, grease turns from a liquid into a solid. It can get stuck in your pipe’s P-trap, gathering the debris that flows down your drain and causing a clog.
The only items that should be flushed are toilet paper and waste. If you drop something in the toilet, don’t try to flush it down. Use a plunger to loosen and remove it. Call a plumber if you don’t have any luck.
Don’t Ignore Small Drips
Does your shower or sink faucet drip when it’s off? This may not seem like a big issue, but if you leave it alone, it could lead to a burst pipe and water damage. And if you wait, you’re wasting gallons of water and increasing your water bill.
If you have the skills, you can try to fix a drip on your own by taking your faucet apart and cleaning or replacing the washer. Sometimes this is all it takes, but if the drip is still happening, call a professional plumber to fix it.
Don’t Reach for Liquid Drain Cleaners
For many homeowners, chemical solutions are the go-to for slow drains and clogs. These chemicals are harsh, however. They can take care of the clog, but they’ll damage your pipes in the process. These solutions should never go in the toilet, either.
It’s better to rely on natural solutions like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon to gently clean your pipes without corroding them. If you keep up with this small step, you can prevent clogs from happening.
Flush Your Garbage Disposal Regularly
Your garbage disposal can help with soft food waste, but it’s not designed to chop up every bit of food. Corn husks, celery, animal fat, and other products shouldn’t go in your garbage disposal. They can damage the blades and cause clogs, leading to odors and expensive repairs.
No matter how careful you are, you will need to clean your garbage disposal from time to time. But keeping up with its maintenance by flushing it with cold water, running it if it’s been sitting for a while, and cleaning it with baking soda and vinegar can go a long way. You should also avoid putting hard food items into your garbage disposal.
Know Your Own Limits
If you have some plumbing skills, you can take on some DIY products. Some issues are too complex for the average homeowner, however, and if you make a mistake, you could make the problem worse.
Plumbers are professionals for a reason. They have specialized tools and equipment to tackle the toughest plumbing problems, so it’s best to schedule an appointment to ensure your repair is done right.
Be Attentive to Your System
Plumbing issues will happen occasionally, and they don’t just go away. If you ignore a small problem like a strange noise or smell, a slow drip, or a constantly running toilet, you’re setting yourself up for bigger and more expensive problems in the future.
When you notice something amiss with your plumbing, schedule a repair as soon as possible. It’ll be cheaper and more convenient to schedule a repair when it works best for you, rather than waiting until it’s an emergency at the worst possible time.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
One of the best ways to protect your plumbing and extend its lifespan is with routine maintenance from a professional plumber. With a company like Bell Brothers, you can have your system inspected for defects or damage that can lead to repairs and get them fixed when they’re minor, cheaper, and more convenient.
If you need a plumbing repair or a maintenance check, contact us at Bell Brothers to see what we can do for you!