Your home’s plumbing system can be one of its most important components. It can cause damage to your home’s construction materials, and create a problem for everyone. You don’t have to worry about your plumbing system if it’s working well. If you have a problem, your local plumber will be able to help.
Let’s be real. We don’t plan ahead for a plumbing appointment. We call plumbers at 2:03 in the morning with water accumulating around our ankles and towels all over the floor. Mid-meltdown we call plumbers. They have to explain the workings of our valves and pumps, and then get to work before more damage is done.
Your plumber will know that you are calling them most likely out of necessity. Perhaps, immediate need. Accidents like bursting pipes, blocked toilets, or backup to the sewer system are not usually planned. It can be difficult to work as a plumber. It is not easy to bend under the drains and sinks all day. However, most of the work they can do can easily be stopped by providing homeowners with the information necessary to maintain and protect their home’s plumbing system.
Although not everyone has the skills of a professional plumber at their disposal, a basic understanding can save you money and reduce the number of calls to your plumbers.
Stop Putting Grease Down the Sink
Do not pour cooking oil, bacon grease or any other similar substance down your drain. Clogs can be caused by oil and grease being poured down the drains. You should not pour cooking oil or grease down your drain. They can coagulate and cause clogs once frozen. It is best to dispose of any cooking oil or grease left over from fried foods in an empty container and freeze it.
Some Things Are Not “Flushable”.
Toilets are designed to flush human waste and toilet papers. However, putting objects on the toilet can cause it to be overloaded. Toilet paper can cause major damage to your plumbing system. Although baby wipes can be very convenient, they shouldn’t go down to the toilet. The material on them isn’t easily broken down so it won’t get deposited quickly. Do not be part of the problem by causing damage to your pipes.
Your Water Heater Should be Flushed Once A Year.
Many homeowners neglect water heaters. Although they aren’t visible from your home, they can be found in your basement. The minimum amount of minerals in tap water that reaches your water heater is calcium and magnesium.
These minerals build up over time in your tank as the sediment. This can cause a loss of storage space, and increase power consumption. Flushing your tank every year can reduce these problems and even prolong the life of your water heater.
To Prevent Frozen Pipes, Leave Faucets Dripping
Dripping faucets can help to prevent frozen pipe by stopping the water flow. If temperatures drop overnight, you can prevent freezing by opening the tap gently to allow the water to drip. You can open the faucet so that it drips once every few seconds if you’re on vacation or are concerned about a deep freeze.
Know Your DIY limitations
Yes, you can unclog a toilet and possibly fix a leaky faucet. Some jobs, however, require the skills and knowledge of a professional plumber. These problems can only be solved by you.