Last Updated on April 3, 2024 by Admin
When was the last time you checked your entire plumbing system? The average answer to this question is not surprising at all. Most homeowners rarely check their plumbing until a plumbing emergency occurs. Unfortunately, plumbing emergencies are unpredictable – they usually occur at the most inconvenient times. Plumbing disasters, such as a burst pipe, may strike in the middle of the night or on holidays. Finding a regular 24-hour plumber during such times is an arduous task. The reason is that most plumbers operate during normal office hours – from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Embracing routine maintenance and preventive measures can be instrumental in avoiding unexpected plumbing problems. These measures will also help you save money and time wasted while undertaking repairs. Below are the maintenance tips and preventive measures you can implement to avoid potential plumbing emergencies before they start.
Conduct Seasonal Plumbing Checks
Every season presents varied challenges to your plumbing system. It’s advisable to take the necessary steps to protect your system rather than sitting unperturbed during season changes. Checking your system for potential areas that may be strained during different seasons is a good place to start.
Before the cold winter months, check whether your system is fully protected from freezing. Note that the freezing of water inside the pipe is the leading cause of pipe bursts during winter. Covering exposed pipes and insulating plumbing lines in unheated areas can help protect your pipes from freezing.
Conducting seasonal plumbing checks can help prolong the lifespan of your system. Create a list of what you need to check during different seasons.
Know When to Call a Plumber
As much as DIY is encouraged to solve minor plumbing issues, it has its limits. You may be adept at unclogging your drains, but some clogs may be hard to clear. At this point, continuing to unclog the drain by yourself may exacerbate the issue. Knowing the limits of DIY will help you determine when to call a plumber and when to keep trying to fix an issue. Not all plumbing problems require DIY. Contact your local plumber before undertaking repairs that you are not sure about.
Don’t Use Chemical Cleaning Agents
Chemical cleaning reagents are usually an easy and convenient solution to blocked drains. However, the use of chemical cleaning agents can corrode your plumbing pipes. A replacement of your entire plumbing lines may be necessary if the corrosion is extensive. You may have to repair your damaged septic tank in other instances.
In addition to corroding your pipes, chemical cleaners are harmful. Their use poses a significant threat to your home, health and environment. If your drain is blocked, it’s recommendable to call a local plumbing contractor.
Install Drain Screens
Installing a drain screen is one of the easiest ways to effectively maintain your drains. Human hair is one of the primary causes of clogs. It settles in the drains effortlessly. In addition, it acts as a base upon which other dirt settles. As time progresses, the solid particles caught start to pile, eventually leading to clogs.
If you notice water draining in your bathroom sink slowly, chances are hair is blocking water flow. To avoid such scenarios, visit your local store and buy a screen for your bathroom sink.
Installing a screen in your kitchen drains prevents avoidable instances of clogging. One of the largest producers of waste materials is your kitchen. Pouring solid wastes, such as food leftovers, in sinks that have no screens may lead to plumbing lines blockage.
Regularly Check for Leaks
With the rising cost of living due to inflation, any idea to save a coin is most welcome. If you have a leak in your system, which you are unaware of, you may end up paying high utility bills. Always check your system to ensure that there are no leaks. If you spot a leak, have it repaired right away by an experienced technician.
Faucets and pipes around your toilet and kitchen sinks are major areas in your home prone to leaks. Regular checks in these areas are crucial in prolonging your plumbing’s lifespan. You can check these areas for leaks twice a month.
Use Your Garbage Disposal Unit Properly
A garbage disposal unit is a valuable appliance in a kitchen. It shreds food scraps that are then easily washed away in the drain. However, the unit needs regular servicing and proper usage to prevent breakdown. Don’t pour grease or any fatty substances into your garbage disposal. The appliance is ineffective against grease or fats. These substances may enter your plumbing lines and block your drains.
Don’t overwork your disposal unit by shredding fibrous food items like kale. As the unit gets strained through overwork, it may eventually break down. The repair costs may be high, subjecting you and your family to heavy financial burdens.
Regular Plumbing Maintenance
The importance of regularly maintaining your system cannot be overemphasized. One way to prevent plumbing emergencies is through hydro-jetting. Hydro-jetting involves shooting high-pressure water through your pipes. The water carries with it potentially clogging materials like hair and grease as it pushes through the pipes.
The net effect of hydro-jetting is that it nearly restores your plumbing system to its original state. With all grease and oil cleared, there are fewer chances of your system clogging. Hydro-jetting at least once per year will prolong the lifespan of your plumbing system.
