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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.
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.