Plumbing issues can be difficult to manage and you may end up cursing the pipes for causing them to act up. Have you ever thought that you could have played a part in these problems?
Sometimes we don’t even realize that our plumbing is being damaged by bad habits. It’s important to take care of your plumbing in order to avoid future problems. Here are some tips for plumbing maintenance.
Drain Cleaning
Even if you have good plumbing habits your drains may still get clogged by unavoidable substances like soap, shampoo, or grease. To prevent severe blockages, your drains should be cleaned regularly. You might think that you should get chemical drain cleaners. These toxic chemicals could cause more damage than good to your plumbing system.
For a clogged sink, you can use a plunger or a drain snake to unclog it. You can use the trusted baking soda and vinegar combination for regular cleaning. Pour some baking soda down the sink and then add vinegar. We’ve seen it happen at science fairs. Baking soda and vinegar create a chemical reaction. Make sure to continue adding vinegar until the reaction ceases.
Take Care Of The Garbage Disposal
It can be tempting to throw anything in the garbage disposal. Not all foods are safe to throw in the garbage disposal. Some foods can cause damage to the system, while others can help it.
Avoid putting grease, coffee grounds and starchy items like nuts and seeds, eggshells, tough meats, potato peels and other fibrous materials in your garbage disposal. You should also avoid putting any food items in the garbage disposal.
Don’t Pour Things Down Your Drain
In a perfect world, water should only go down the drain. However, soap and shampoo can clog drains over time. Imagine what other products can do to your plumbing if soap and shampoo are able to damage drains.
A drain cover is a great way to prevent hair and other debris from going down your shower drain. To flush down the toilet, you only need to use toilet paper. Other items, such as feminine hygiene products and paper towels, can also cause the toilet to overflow and clog.
Stop Pipes Freezing Above
Winter can cause problems with your plumbing. The cold can freeze pipes and cause them to burst. If your outdoor faucets have a shutoff valve, you can use it. Or, you can cover your pipes with a cover to keep cold air out.
To help prevent interior pipes freezing, ensure that the furnace is operating properly. Do not turn on the furnace if you are going to be away from home for a while. Turn down the thermostat instead.
Conclusion
To avoid serious damage to your plumbing system, it is important to have good plumbing habits. Keep your drains clean, don’t dump certain items down the garbage disposal, and keep your pipes from freezing in winter.