Mindfulness and Maintenance Prevent Plumbing Disasters
Summer should be about getting friends and family together to enjoy the perfect weather, not dealing with a sewer backup or a stubbornly clogged sewer line. People tend not to think about their plumbing when not dealing directly with an issue, but a little extra thought can go a long way in preventing plumbing problems before they surface. This article will detail three ways to keep a home’s plumbing running smoothly so other plans can be the center of the summertime.
Don’t Ignore Signs of Plumbing Leaks
Signs of leaks aren’t always overt. Puddles in the yard or the bathroom and the sound of running water when nothing is on are clear signs of an emergent plumbing issue, but other more subtle signs may indicate that water is being lost. Some of these signs include:
- Damp patches
- Mold
- Mildew
- Low water pressure throughout the house
- Evidence of water damage
- High water bills
One way to check for a water leak is to note the water meter. Turn the main supply valve off, and watch if the meter moves. If the meter moves, this indicates a leak. The next step is to call in the professionals.
Dispose of Grease and Other Food Waste Properly
Many of the most stubborn clogs come from the wrong things being put down the drain. It’s easy to put things in the drain or toilet that should not be there. It may even be successful for a while, but the buildup within the pipes will tell eventually. Some things that should go in the trash, not the toilet, are listed below.
- Disposable Items: These are the sorts of items that can be thrown in the toilet but shouldn’t be, like paper towels, paper napkins, cotton swabs, cotton balls, feminine hygiene products, and wipes(even flushable ones).
- Starchy Foods: Spaghetti, potato peels, dough, and bread can gum up the pipes and create a spiderweb of traps for other debris.
- Grease: These cooking oils and fats may be liquid or solid, but neither should be put in the drain.
Just avoiding these items in the drain pipes can save a household a great deal of trouble, not to mention money.
Plumbing Maintenance and Regular Drain Cleaning
The last step, perhaps the easiest of all, is having professionals do regular maintenance and drain cleaning. They will perform the tasks without harming the pipes, as can happen with chemical drain openers, and will likely use drain snaking or hydrojetting to ensure the drain pipes are open. They can also check other things like the main valve to ensure everything is working properly and catch problems before they start. With these simple tips, no homeowner should deal with a sudden plumbing emergency.
About C & D Plumbing Inc.
For over a decade, C & D Plumbing Inc. has served Fort Lauderdale, FL, and the surrounding counties with expert solutions with 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Call today for fast and friendly plumbing service.