Plumbing disasters are never fun, and they always seem to have the worst timing, like when you are entertaining a house full of guests and your kitchen sink backs up. You never really know when a plumbing disaster will strike, but fortunately there are little things you can do to keep plumbing problems at bay. Taking the proper precautions and preventative measures can save you from dealing with a surprise plumbing disaster. Here are plumbing tips to help you avoid plumbing disasters.
Treat Your Drains Right
It’s pretty simple, if you are good to your drains they will be good to you. This goes for all of the drains in your house, from the kitchen sink to the toilet. Watch what goes down it. Your drain system is an integral part of your plumbing system, tasked with the removal of waste water, this is not something you want to interfere with. To keep things flowing smoothly, watch what goes down your drains. Here are some things to never pour down the drain or flush:
- Large food scraps
- Bones
- Grease and fats
- Fibrous food (like potato peels and corn husks)
- Chemicals
- Medications
- Plastic
- Paper, unless specifically designed to flush like toilet paper
- Glass
- Hair
- Feminine products
- Diapers
- Wipes
Placing these things down the drain can interfere with the function of your drains. In addition, if you are on a septic tank these things can interfere with the natural balance of your septic tank, and lead to other problems other than clogs. To prevent plumbing disasters, avoid putting any of these things down the drain, and install screens over all drain to prevent unwanted debris from traveling down the drain.
Proactive Leak Detection
Plumbing leaks are a huge source for water waste around the house, which is not only wasteful, but will eventually cost you where it really hurts, your wallet. Undetected leaks can also lead to water damage and mold, which make your sick and be expensive to repair. The best line of defense against plumbing leaks is to be proactive with your leak detection, and learn to spot the signs of a hidden leak. Listen for drips or the sound of running water, know how to recognize the smell of mold and mildew, look for any unexplained water puddles, and check your water bill for any unexplained hikes. You should also visually check around faucets, shower-heads, around tubs and showers, around toilets, under sinks, and around any water using appliance. Make repairs right away when a leak is detected to prevent further damage, and minimize the cost.
Water Heater Maintenance
Water heaters often go neglected, which can eventually lead to a plumbing disaster. You should inspect your water heater annually to make sure it is in good working order. Inspect for any signs of corrosion, make sure the pilot has a strong flame, listen for any loud rumbling or banging sounds, make sure hot water comes out clean and clear, and check for puddles around the base of the water heater. In addition, every water heater should be drained and flushed annually to minimize sediment buildup. This can help your water heater last longer and run more efficiently.
For more plumbing tips on how to prevent a plumbing disaster, contact Lesco Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling today!
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