Plumbing is often taken for granted in our daily lives. We seldom give it much thought or worry about its upkeep. However, when it malfunctions or encounters an issue, it becomes abundantly clear!
Dealing with plumbing problems is far from enjoyable. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of essential plumbing tips to help you avoid some of the most irksome issues with your pipes.
Refrain from Pouring Grease or Oil Down the Drain. Accumulation of grease and oil can lead to serious plumbing issues over time. Although it may seem harmless initially, as it flows down in liquid form, it eventually clogs your pipes. Prioritize your pipes’ health by avoiding the disposal of cooking liquids down the drain. Instead, opt for safer disposal methods, such as allowing fats to solidify before placing them in your compost bin.
Utilize a Strainer. Clogs, often caused by hair and soap residue, are a common plumbing problem, especially in shower and sink drains. Preventing this is as easy as using a basket strainer. This simple step can spare you from a messy and time-consuming task in the future.
Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners. If you do experience a clog opt to try and clear the blockage manually by removing the drain plug or p-trap. Chemical drain cleaners may offer immediate results, but they can cause long-term damage to your plumbing. You can also find on the market plungers designed for sinks, small drain snakes and barbed plastic lines used to clear out drains. You might be able to find a non-caustic, safe drain cleaning option that utilizes natural bacteria to dissolve organic matter without harming your pipes. After clearing clogs, prevent their recurrence by using a basket strainer on all possible drains in the house. If you cannot clear a plugged drain using any of these methods you should call a plumber.
Exercise Caution with What You Flush. Some items should never be flushed down the toilet. Flushing anything other than toilet paper and bodily waste can lead to serious clogs. This includes hygiene products, cotton balls, prescription medications, and even unfortunate fish. If you’re experiencing frequent toilet clogs, there may be other underlying causes to address.
Know the Location of Your Main Water Valve. While plumbing isn’t typically something we actively learn about, it’s crucial to know the location of your main water valve and what to do if a problem arises. In the event of burst pipes, shutting off your main water valve can help minimize damage until professional help arrives. Without this knowledge, you’ll waste precious time while your home sustains significant water damage.
Regularly Test Your Toilet’s Flush Valve Seal for Leaks. Toilet leaks can be a nuisance, but catching them early can prevent more serious plumbing problems down the line. One common source of leaks is the toilet’s flush valve seal. This seal prevents water from flowing from the tank to the bowl when the toilet isn’t in flushing mode. A simple test involving food colouring can help detect leaks early. Just add a few drops into the water tank of your toilet, enough to give it some colour. Check back in a few hours and see if any colour has appeared in the toilet bowl. If there is colour in the bowl you have a leak, if the water is clear you are in the clear.
Ensure Accessibility of Your Main Sewer Drain. While your plumbing is typically out of sight, it’s crucial to keep your main sewer drain free and clear. In the event of a sewage line blockage, quick and efficient access is essential. The drain access point should be clear of any obstructions, such as rugs or carpeting, and easy to reach.
Prevent Freezing of Your Plumbing. Winter temperatures can pose a risk to your plumbing. To mitigate this, ensure that there is always air circulation in your home and maintain a minimum temperature of 16 degrees Celsius. Additionally, insulate exterior plumbing lines to prevent potential disasters. Don’t wait until the cold months to address rooms with poor circulation. Use the warmer months to find solutions. Note: Before the first frost, drain water from outdoor taps and disconnect hoses to avoid frozen pipes and taps.
Install Separate Shut-Off Valves on Your Fixtures. Eventually, your plumbing will require repairs. By installing separate shut-off valves on your fixtures, you can avoid the inconvenience of shutting off all water. This allows you to isolate water to specific house areas, ensuring you can still use other fixtures while repairs are underway. Watch our video with more water shut off information here.
Extend the Life of Your Faucet. Instead of overtightening your faucet to stop that annoying drip, turn it until you feel the natural stopping point. Overtightening can wear out the tap’s seal prematurely due to increased pressure. Apply just enough pressure, like handling a pencil, to ensure longevity.
These plumbing tips are designed to help you maintain a smoothly functioning plumbing system and avoid common issues. Following these suggestions can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
If you are experienceing one of these problems or any other issues with your plumbing please give us a call and we will be happy to get your plumbing back in tip top shape.
September 26th, 2023