Many common plumbing problems occur because people don’t practice regular home maintenance.
In fact, the majority of individuals aren’t even aware of how important it is to take care of the plumbing on a constant basis. Try to incorporate some of these tips into your home care to keep your pipes running smoothly
Don’t Overflush
The only thing that should be in your toilet besides waste matter is toilet paper. Do not add paper towels, wipes, cotton balls, hair, or anything else, as it could lead to serious clogging. The last thing you need is a flooded bathroom on a regular basis.
Watch What You Pour Down the Drain
You should never pour wax, grease, paint, or oil down the sink or toilet. Wax will harden and can lead to a clog. Paint is made of chemicals, which could damage your pipes.
If you put oil or grease down the sink, it will most likely expand and block the pipes, leading to a plumbing disaster. The only additional material you should use in the toilet or sink is a drain cleaner.
Don’t Use Drain Cleaner with Chemicals
People often buy chemical drain cleaners because they are advertised as being very effective at getting rid of whatever is inside your drain causing a blockage.
However, these products can do serious damage to your plumbing. They create a lot of heat, which can warp the pipes and create leaks in the metal.
There are natural drain cleaners on the market which are both effective and safe. Use one of them to clear the drains once every few weeks.
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Fix Leaks Immediately
Many people see a dripping sink or a running toilet as a small issue that can be fixed at some later point. However, you can lose a tremendous amount of money if you don’t repair these problems right away.
A small drip or running toilet can waste gallons of water and really increase your water bill. In addition, small leaks can rapidly cause bigger leaks.
Be Familiar with the Main Shut Off Valve
When you move into a new home, make it a priority to know where the main shut-off valve in the house is located.
In the case of a plumbing emergency such as the pipes bursting, you can close it all down immediately. This could prevent a huge amount of water damage.
Have Individual Shut Off Valves
It’s also a good idea to install shut-off valves all over the house. This way if you need to get the plumbing fixed or have an issue in one part of the house, you don’t have to shut off the main valve.
You can close the water in one small section of the home and have water available everywhere else.
Prevent Freezing Pipes
When winter comes, there’s always a risk of the pipes freezing and possibly bursting. This often occurs due to poor insulation, so it’s essential to insulate as many of your outside wall plumbing lines as you can.
Pipes can also freeze if the thermostat is too low in your home. It’s important to make sure the temperature is at a minimum of 16 degrees celsius. There should also be a steady flow of air running through the house.
Final Words
Proper home maintenance should decrease the number of plumbing disasters that occur in your home. However, ultimately you will need a plumber for some issues, and you should make sure you choose a good one.
At JJ’s Plumbing, we are top-quality plumbers who are available and dedicated to fixing any issues you may have. Contact us today by phone at 1-604-479-2232 or email to make an appointment.
