There’s never a good time for a plumbing problem, but some times are more inconvenient than others. Like when you’re expecting a house full of guests, are getting ready to leave for a much-needed vacation, or at 2am on a Saturday.
What you may not realize is that many plumbing problems are preventable or can be fixed quickly and cheaply if addressed early on. We’ve put together a list of things you can do to help prevent some of the most common plumbing woes.
- Don’t pour grease down the drain. Grease coagulates as it cools. If it does so in your pipes, that solidified fat can result in a tough clog that can back up your home’s plumbing. Instead, set grease, oil, or fat aside to cool, then scrape it into a non-recyclable container and put it in the trash.
- Use a natural drain cleaner. The caustic oxidizing chemicals found in conventional drain cleaners can damage and corrode older plumbing pipes.
- Leave faucets to drip when temps dip below freezing. A light, steady drip can prevent pipes from freezing and bursting when temps plunge. Also, open cabinet doors beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
- Leave the area under the sink clutter-free. If you can’t see the pipes under the sink, chances are you have too much clutter in the way. Keep the area clear so that you can spot a plumbing leak quickly.
- Careful what you put down the garbage disposal. Believe it or not, most homeowners don’t take the time to learn how to use these appliances correctly. They aren’t meant to handle large amounts of food waste, nor can they process fibrous foods like potato peels and celery. Also, be sure to rinse the ground food down with lots of water.
- Shut off the main water valve before going on vacation. Nothing ruins a great vacation faster than coming home to a flooded house. Avoid costly disaster by turning off the main water valve before you go, and open up a couple of sink faucets to bleed the water pressure off the lines.
- Periodically check for leaks. Keep an eye on your water bill and if you notice it’s higher than normal but your water usage has remained steady, you could have a hidden leak. To find out, turn off all faucets and water-using appliances. Then, check your water meter and make note of the reading. Wait an hour and check again. If it’s changed, you have a leak.
- Don’t use the toilet as a trash can. Avoid flushing cotton swabs, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and even so-called flushable wipes. These products don’t break down in liquid like toilet paper does and can increase your risk of clogged pipes.
And when the utmost of care still doesn’t work, call your local plumbing resource, Norhio Plumbing. We’re here to tackle all your plumbing woes, big and small. And to your complete satisfaction.
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