As a homeowner, the last thing you want to deal with is a plumbing problem. Unfortunately, plumbing problems are all too common. Leaky faucets, backed-up drains, and overflowing toilets are just a few of the issues that can arise. While you can’t always prevent plumbing problems from happening, there are some things you can do to reduce the likelihood of them occurring. Below are some tips from expert plumbers in Geelong to prevent plumbing problems before they start.
How to Prevent Plumbing Issues Before They Start
Plumbing problems can be annoying and expensive, but they don’t have to be if you take care of them before they start. Here are ten tips that will help you prevent plumbing problems:
Don’t Pour Grease & Oil
Grease and oil help lubricate machinery, but when they go down the drain, they clog up pipes and cause major damage. These substances can cause all kinds of problems, from bad smells to slow-moving water to clogged drains and overflowing sinks! If you want to use grease or oil in your kitchen, ensure you do not pour them directly into the sink or garbage disposal after use. Instead, use filters or turkey basters to remove the grease before it gets into the system.
Clean the Drip Pan
Drip pans are located under most sinks and catch the water drips from the faucet. The problem with a dirty drip pan is that it creates a breeding ground for bugs and other organisms that can cause significant problems for your plumbing system. If you don’t clean out the drip pan regularly, you may have to call in professionals to fix your plumbing issues.
Check Your Pipes Regularly for Leaks or Cracks
Pipe leaks can cause major damage to your home and its surroundings, so it’s important that this problem is identified early on in its development. Look for cracks in the wall surrounding the pipe that connects to water supply lines and dowels used to hold the pipe together; these cracks could indicate a leak. If you notice a leak, make sure you call a plumber right away.
Avoid using Harsh Chemical Cleaners
Drain cleaners dissolve grease and sludge in pipes but also contain certain acids that can damage your pipes over time. Instead of using a chemical drain cleaner, try pouring boiling water down your drains once every few months; this will help keep more gunk out of your pipes.
Don’t Overload Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals grind food waste into tiny pieces and send it down the drain with water. Too much food in the machine can lead to clogs and backups in your plumbing system, which will also cause problems for other parts of your home. Keep an eye on how full it is and empty it when necessary to avoid this problem. If you get a clog in the garbage drain, try plunging it with a stick. Call an expert blocked drain plumber in Geelong if that doesn’t work.
Think Before You Flush
If you’re having trouble with your toilet, it’s because you flushed something that shouldn’t have been flushed. You might think it’s harmless to flush paper towels or baby wipes down the toilet, but these products aren’t meant to be flushed. Some may have chemicals in them that can damage your septic system and cause other issues. Take a look at the ingredients on any product you’re planning on flushing down the toilet before you do so. If you can’t identify the elements , don’t use them!
Know Your Water Pressure
It’s important to know your water pressure before you get into a situation where it’s needed. Having a pressure gauge on your water meter will help you know if there is an issue and whether the problem can be fixed by turning off the main valve or if you need to call an expert hot water repair service in Geelong.
Perform Routine Plumbing Inspections
A plumbing inspection is an effective way to detect and correct problems early. It can save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs. A professional plumber will inspect your plumbing system for leaks, clogs, slow drains or other issues that may cause problems in the future. They’ll also ensure your faucets are in good working order and that the water flow is not interrupted by a frozen pipe or clogged drain. Have a routine plumbing inspection performed every year.
Soften Your Water
Hard water contains minerals that can clog pipes and cause other problems with plumbing fixtures. The calcium and magnesium in hard water leave residues that can erode your pipes or cause them to block, increasing water pressure. If you have hard water in your area, consider installing an ionizer or softener instead of using chemical drain cleaners regularly.
Avoid Frozen Pipes
Another common cause of plumbing problems is pipe freezing. Pipes can freeze for several reasons, including low temperatures and high water pressure. As soon as you notice that your pipes are freezing, take immediate action to prevent further damage from occurring. Turn off all water supplies and let them thaw out completely before turning them back on again. If that doesn’t work, call an expert emergency plumbing in Geelong to prevent a pipe burst. Also, ensure that you cover all exposed pipes with insulation tape before freezing weather arrives (such as wood wrapping).
Conclusion
No one wants to deal with plumbing problems, but they’re unfortunately something that all homeowners have to deal with at one point or another. Following these tips can help prevent plumbing problems before they start! However, if you find yourself dealing with a plumbing issue, be sure to contact a professional plumber as soon as possible to repair it before it causes further damage to your home.
