Our Best Plumbing Tips For Your Home
When it comes to plumbing, many things can go wrong. Some plumbing issues are very easy to repair,
while others can become quite a bit more difficult. No matter how difficult or simple the plumbing
problem may appear, it’s wise to have some plumbing knowledge to ensure that repairs are done
correctly and efficiently. After all, it’s your home, and you don’t want any nasty surprises by trying to
do the work yourself without knowing what to do.
Use this article to help you understand what’s happening and make the best decision for your family’s
plumbing needs.
Frozen pipes
Frozen pipes can be a messy situation if they are not addressed. If you discover a pipe
has frozen, or even if you suspect a pipe might be frozen, open a tap on the line to allow the thawing ice
to drain. This will relieve some of the pressure, and could prevent cracks from appearing in the pipes.
Prolong the life of your toilet
Avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach tablets, blue toilet
deodorizers, or the other odor removers inside your toilet. These may deodorize, but they can seriously
damage the rubber pieces in the toilet, causing poor functionality or even complete breakdown of the
fixture. This will create a messy surprise that no one wants.
Only water down the drain!
Don’t pour cooking grease, leftover frying fat or any oils down your sink
drain. These materials may be liquid when you pour them in, but they will solidify and can constrict the
space in your pipes. If you own a garbage disposal, grease can even cause the blades to stop working if
they have fat on them.
Well water can cause stains
If your home runs on well water and you notice any orange or pink stains
in your fixtures or tub, this is because of iron in your water. You should invest in a water softener to
help remove the iron. Ask a local plumbing company to recommend some water softener solutions that
fit your situation.
Upgrade your shower heads
Not all shower heads are the same. Save money on water costs by
investing in energy efficient shower heads that still give you a good shower but put out less water. A
single energy efficient shower head can save you $100 or more each year.
Watch what you flush
Too many people use their toilet like a trashcan. To limit toilet problems,
reduce what you flush down the toilet. Never flush paper towels, tissue, diapers, or feminine hygiene
products. Even flushable wipes can cause problems! These things do not break up correctly and they
can clog your pipes.
Use a screen
Hair is a common material in drain clogs. Stop the clog by covering your drains with
screens to keep hair from going into the pipes. You can remove hair much easier from a screen as
opposed to getting it out of the inside of a pipe.
It’s easy to forget about your plumbing when it’s working well. But when a plumbing emergency
happens, it can get messy, uncomfortable, and even unsafe very quickly! Taking preventative measures
means you will not have to spend as much on plumbing repairs. Drain clogs are probably the most
frequent issue you will run into with your plumbing. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent plumbing
emergencies from happening, and even ways to save money to make sure your family is safer and more
comfortable.