Plumbing problems have an uncanny habit of sneaking up on you when you least expect. It could be hours before your guests arrive or early in the morning just before you head out for the job interview you’ve been planning for. It could be a faucet leak, clogged toilet, broken pipe, or water heater problem, but you never saw coming. Whatever the case, any unexpected plumbing problem can drive you nuts. But there is a solution and its called preventive plumbing maintenance. As a homeowner, following some basic routines can save you from a disaster down the road.
Here Are Some Tips To Get Started – (Look, Listen, and Touch)
Look, whenever you open the kitchen sink cabinet, take a few extra seconds to look to for mold or moisture. And do the same for your bathroom sinks as well. Listen for leaky toilets and dripping faucets and showerheads. Occasionally, gently run your hand (touch) around the p-trap to feel for moisture. Keep a sharp eye on your water bill because it can speak volumes when it comes to plumbing leaks.
Fix Leaking Showerheads and Faucets On Time
Strangely enough, many homeowners put off those necessary fixes. Be proactive and fix faulty faucets and showerheads the moment they start to leak. Better yet upgrade to a new low flow showerhead or faucet. It won’t take long for a new low flow showerhead and faucet to pay for itself in water savings alone. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer (DIY), you’re more than qualified to install showerheads and faucets; if not, hire a qualified plumbing contractor. Leaky faucets, showerheads, and toilets play a huge role in water waste.
Preventive Plumbing Maintenance For Your Drains
Prevent Clogged Drains
You can prevent most clogged drains from happening, especially if your home happens to be older. One way to avoid a clogged drain is to install a lint catcher, also known as a lint trap, and attach it to your washing machine hose. You can purchase a lint trap at your local home center for less than four dollars.
Clean With A Bacterial Drain Cleaner
You can also put some bacterial drain cleaner down your bathroom and kitchen sinks. Bacterial cleaners that are noncorrosive so it won’t harm pipes. The cleaners meant to consume organic matter such as black slime that builds up in your drains. Roebic drain and trap cleaner is a recommended brand, but there are many others on the market. Put it down your drain before bed and allow it to clean your drains while you sleep.
Watch What You Pour Down Your Drain
Then there are the obvious things we should be aware of, for example, don’t pour grease down your drains. Don’t flush anything down your toilet except for human waste with toilet paper, and that includes baby wipes and bathroom tissue. If what you’re flushing down the toilet isn’t toilet paper or human waste, then brace yourself for a major plumbing issue.
Start A Compost Pile
While sending all our ground up food down the disposal is convenient, it can clog your drains over time. An excellent idea for homeowners is to purchase an organic waste container and put your plant-based food waste in the container and distribute it to a compost pile. You can use the compost for fertilizing your garden and plants. Some cities have organic waste bins assigned to homeowners, your plant-based food waste can go in your waste bin.
If You Have Small Children Buy A Toilet Seat Lock
Another rule of thumb is to understand that some children have a fascination with toilets, so it’s best to put a toilet seat lock on your toilet. It’s not unusual for small toys to get flushed down the toilet, causing a backed-up sewer line. Any home center or convenience store will carry them, and for less than ten dollars, one can be purchased.
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