When it comes to the care of your home plumbing system, there are many mishaps or plumbing emergencies that could be avoided. And there are many considerations when it comes to plumbing care that every plumber wished homeowners knew! Today Simon Plumbing will share some of the basic plumbing care tips to help prevent many plumbing emergencies.
How to Avoid Types of Plumbing Emergencies
1. Plumbing Inspection of Pipes & Drains. When you move into or live in an older home, it’s important to have the plumbing inspected. Look for signs of blockages in drains. If you have discovered a blockage in your drain, avoid using any caustic oxidizing chemicals or they will eventually cause leaks in the pipe. Always use natural drain cleaners when clearing blockages. You can even create your own drain cleaners by mixing ½ cup baking soda with ½ cup salt, 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar and 2 cups of boiling water.
2. Never Pour Grease Down the Sink. One common and rather major mistake is pouring grease down the drain. Frying oil, excess fat from meat, or other oily greases should never be poured down drains because the grease and oil will build up in the drain and eventually cause clogs. The result of clogged drains requires a plumber to unclog your home’s plumbing system.
3. What Shouldn’t Go in a Garbage Disposal. Another common misconception is assuming your garbage disposal is a trash can. Garbage disposals are able to break up small amounts of food waste. However, large amounts or heavy solid foods shouldn’t be put into the garbage disposals or you can expect premature wear of the machine and be prepared to replace it each time it breaks.
4. Is it Necessary to Turn Off Water when on a Long Vacation? When you leave on vacation, it is recommended to turn off the main water line to the home before you go. Sometimes pressure will build up inside the pipes creating enough force to crack or break a line in your plumbing. There have been many homeowners that return home from a vacation to find their home flooded. Flood restoration is a long and expensive process and can easily be prevented by turning off the water until you return home.
5. Know How to Read a Water Meter. All homeowners should learn how to read your home’s water meter. Learn your home’s average water usage and make it a habit to check it monthly. When you begin to see elevated water usage, and you know that your usage has been the same, this could indicate a break in your ground lines. When you discover the problem, contact a plumber to help locate the leak and repair it.
6. Don’t Ignore Toilet & Water Leaks. When water keeps pooling around the toilet, there is a leak or a problem with the toilet. Check the valves and hoses to see if you see any leaks coming from there. If you don’t see any leaking coming from the valve, the hose from the wall, or the toilet, then it could be a bad wax ring. Constant leaking will cause mold or algae build up and eventual erosion.
7. Preventive Plumbing Maintenance. Maintain your home’s plumbing and repair leaks as they occur to help reduce water waste and damage. It is much easier to maintain them before allow major plumbing problems to occur.
Plumbing Inspections, Repairs & More in North Tonawanda, Amherst, Buffalo, Williamsville | Erie & Niagara County | Western New York
If you need help repairing or maintaining your home plumbing system, contact Simon Plumbing. We cover the basics to all major plumbing repairs. For all of your plumbing needs, contact Simon Plumbing today.
