8 Smart Ways To Prevent Plumbing Problems
No one enjoys dealing with plumbing problems. Unfortunately, they’re often an unavoidable reality in many homes. But you can do a few simple things to help prevent these issues. Here are ten ways to keep your plumbing in top shape:
1. Entrust Your Plumbing System Only to Reliable Professionals
Call reputable plumbing services whenever you have problems with your water heater, toilets, and other piping and drainage systems you can’t resolve on your own. The same is true when constructing or remodeling your kitchen and bathroom. It would be best if you only let trusted plumbers handle these projects.
A good plumber will only use and recommend quality materials and install them correctly, helping you minimize plumbing issues later on. Plumbing systems are complex, and entrusting them to non-pros could lead to future problems—like leaks, rust, and unsafe water. Here are a few tips to help you find a reliable plumbing company:
- Check with your friends, neighbors, and colleagues if they have a go-to plumber
- Look for a licensed, insured, and experienced plumbing professional
- Choose a plumbing contractor who provides a labor warranty
- Validate reputation by checking customer reviews
If you’re looking for cost savings, avoid cutting expenses by getting cheap fixtures or hiring an affordable plumber. What you can do is find a plumbing professional who practices value engineering, an industry knowledge that helps customers find legitimate ways to save money. This way, you can avoid band-aid solutions that could only lead to costly headaches down the line.
2. Have Small Issues Repaired Before They Get Worse
Once you notice a clog in your drain, a leak in your faucet, or any plumbing issue, it’s best to hire a plumber to fix the problem immediately. Addressing the case early on will help avoid floor, ceiling, and other potentially costly damage to your home.
3. Use a Drain Screen
A simple way to avoid a clog is to block hair, razor clippings, and other debris from entering pipes using a mesh drain screen. Install this handy item in your showers, bath, and laundry area. You can also place a lint catcher on your washing machine hose to prevent lint from clogging your drain.
4. Don’t Dump Grease and Coffee Grounds Down the Drain
Disposing of cooking grease and coffee grounds into your drain is conveniently tempting. But these two are the most common causes of clogs, so avoid doing this even if you have a garbage disposal. Instead, dump your coffee grounds in the trash or compost pile. As for your cooking grease, you can collect them in a used can and then throw them in the bin.
5. Regularly Flush Your Drains
An effective way to prevent a clog build-up is by pouring boiling water down the drains once a week. Although hot water cannot clear large clogs, it helps dissolve light grease deposits.
For rarely used sinks and drains, it’s best to flush them occasionally with around five gallons of water. Fixtures and pipes should always receive large volumes of water to clear out debris.
6. Avoid Throwing Anything in the Toilet
Flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper can clog your pipes and lead to costly repairs. Be sure to dispose of other solid waste in the trash, including wet wipes, cat litter, and paper towels.
Also, teach your kids not to throw toys and other large items down the toilet—if anything insoluble falls in it, flushing the object isn’t a bright idea. The best advice is to get it out, even if doing so sounds disgusting.
7. Install a Filtration System
Minerals and sediments can build up in pipes, slowing down water flow. Installing a filtration system can help prevent low water pressure in your faucets and shower heads.
8. Winter-Proof Your Pipes
Frozen pipes can easily burst, causing significant water damage to your home and problems for the entire plumbing system. You can prevent pipes from freezing during winter by insulating them. Aside from protecting your piping system from harsh temperatures, this can warm your shower faster and help you save money.
Another thing you can do to prepare for winter is to turn off any outdoor water. Any water left in pipes exposed to temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit may freeze. Since you don’t need to water the garden or lawn during this season, it’s best to disconnect hoses and shut off the outdoor valves to prevent pipes from freezing.
Following these simple tips can help avoid plumbing issues in your home. But if you do experience a problem, be sure to call professional plumbing services for repairs.