Admit it, we all hate the idea of not having a functional bathroom when we need one. But unfortunately, houses will experience emergency plumbing repairs at some point in their appliances' lifetime.
However, there are still some ways to prevent that! Home Alliance presents you with ten plumbing safety tips to avoid emergency repairs!
1. Watch what goes down your drains
Some things are not supposed to go down there! Flushing things that can damage your plumbing include coffee grounds, oils, grease, fats, eggshells, and potato peels, and those should stay in your kitchen! In addition, flushing down seafood shells and bones is just asking for damage to your poor drain.
2. Be kind to your toilet.
Your toilet is not your garbage bin! Avoid flushing items in the toilet, such as baby wipes, feminine products, cotton balls, and other garbage. These things could clog up the toilet pipes or, worse, accumulate in the sewer creating a blockage on your whole plumbing system.
3. Be careful with your garbage disposal as well.
Some food left over is just not fit for your garbage disposal. Fruit pits and bones are too hard for the garbage disposal; celery, corn, and broccoli are too fibrous; pasta, rice, and potato peels are starchy and could clog up the machine. The garbage disposal is for grinding small amounts of food left on dishes, not for trash piles or compost.
4. Buy sink strainers
Sink strainers are saviors for keeping hair and other stuff away from our drains and. Use them in your kitchen and bathroom to remove any large particles that could clog your drains. You will never know; it might save you a call to your plumber.
5. Avoid using harsh chemicals.
Although they can fix minor plumbing problems and clear clogs, these harsh chemicals can eat away at your pipes over time! Use them sparingly, or steer clear of these chemicals completely.
6. Avoid unskilled repairs.
Let's face it. If you do not know how to do it, it is better to leave them to the professionals. Repairing the issue yourself might lead to more problems, costing you more!
7. Locate your main water shutoff valve.
If you notice leaks, it is better to turn off the water immediately! A minor issue could turn into a full-blown emergency plumbing problem. Locate your main shutoff valve ahead of time to avoid flooding inside your home.
8. Fix leaks immediately.
Pipe leaks and drips should not be left unattended. Ignoring the issue raises your water bill and puts undue strain on your plumbing system.
9. Have someone check your home.
If you are going away on a vacation or a business trip, having someone check your home once in a while is a preventative measure. Finding a home in a flooded mess after a long journey is a pain! So have someone check it once you are out.
10. Get regular plumbing inspections.
The last thing you need to do to prevent emergency plumbing repair is to have regular plumbing inspections. Routine plumbing inspections with your trusted plumber help detect minor issues before they become major ones, keeping your plumbing functional and healthy.
That is ten plumbing tips for homeowners. These are the most common tips to prevent regularly occurring problems. But that is not all! Here are more plumbing tips you should know; although situational, it is best to be ready for anything.
- Drain your water heater tank regularly.
Water heaters are standard in households, especially in places with colder climates. You would not want to have a cold shower on a cold winter day. A water heater malfunction, electrical issue, or leak causes a shortage of hot water in your system. It would be best to drain your water tank to remove any potential sediment buildup. Additionally, it would help if you inspected the tank monthly to check for drips and leaks. You can also upgrade your water heater's tank size and maintain your system by replacing worn-out parts.
- Insulate your plumbing pipes.
Another tip for people living under cold weather; insulate your plumbing pipes to keep them from freezing. Expose cabinets to expose them to warm air and leave the faucet slightly open to avoid stagnant water from freezing. Every fall, close outdoor faucets and disconnect hoses to prevent them from freezing.
- Keep an Eye on Your Septic Tank.
After heavy rains and storms, water could seep in or leak inside your septic tank. It would be best to check the septic tank for overflows, water leaks, and malfunctions. For emergencies, you can also install a battery-powered backup sump pump. Sump pumps make sure that your home's basement does not flood or retain water at any point.
- Keep watch on your water pressure.
If you notice a reduced flow from your showerheads, faucets, and spouts, you may have sediment buildup or leaks in the pipes. Make sure you don't set the pressure too high or stress the plumbing system.
So if you suffer from a plumbing emergency, the professionals at Home Alliance can solve your plumbing problems quickly, professionally – and at a reasonable price. Our team offers consultations and plumbing maintenance tips. Schedule a service with our experts today!
