8 Tips From Your Plumber
Managing home plumbing is no easy task. Our team put together these tips to help you run your home plumbing as efficiently as possible.
1. Watch What You Put Down the Drain
Perhaps the most common preventable issue that we see from homeowners is that they have a clogged drain. Whether a kitchen or bathroom drain, solid items can get stuck and prevent water from flowing. Here are some items to avoid letting down the drain:
- Coffee grounds
- Oil
- Rice
- Vegetables
- Paper products
- Hair
- And more!
When in doubt, avoid dumping any solid foods down the drain. And if you have a garbage disposal, this rule still applies. Only soft, organic materials are suitable for a garbage disposal.
2. Fix Leaks Now
A slow drip may not seem like a big deal, especially if it’s dripping right back into your sink or shower drain. But these small leaks can waste a lot of water, costing you money. They can also get worse over time, so what once was a minor nuisance becomes a damaging problem.
The quicker you deal with a leak, the sooner you can get back to normal operation and avoid wasting water and potentially damaging your pipes or home.
3. Know What’s in Your Water
Is your water clean? Is it hard or soft? These questions are important, both for the safety of you and your family, and the safety of your home. Hard water occurs when there is an over-concentration of certain minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. Hard water can leave behind mineral deposits and limescale in your pipes, in your water heater, and on your fixtures.
Get your water tested if you don’t know the contents. However, hard water can also be identified by limescale on your fixtures, clear film on glasses, and stiff clothes out of the wash.
4. Get Your Septic Tank Pumped
When was the last time your septic tank was pumped? Regular pumpings by a professional are necessary to maintain a functioning and efficient septic tank.
If you’ve had trouble with slow drains, backups, or strange smells, a pumping might be warranted.
5. Watch for Pipe Corrosion
Corrosion is a natural process that is unavoidable. What is avoidable is speeding up the process of corrosion. Dumping harsh chemicals will lead to corrosion sooner than normal, which in turn leads to leaks and pipe failure.
Avoid using chemical drain cleaners that you may find at the store, as they are notorious for corroding pipes. And if you notice metallic-tasting or rust-colored water, contact your local plumber to investigate.
6. Know How to Turn Off the Water
In case of an emergency, you should know where your water shutoff valve is. This prevents catastrophic damage if there is a leak.
There are also localized shutoff valves under your sink and behind your toilet which can be used if the problem is in one of those areas only.
7. Cut Down On Water Use
Reducing your water consumption isn’t just good for the environment, but your wallet and home as well. The less wear and tear your pipes experience, the less chance of a leak and the longer they will last.
To reduce your water usage, switch to low-flow toilets and more efficient showerheads. These devices are relatively low cost and will save you tons of water in the long run.
8. Leave it to the Pros
When you’re unsure of how to handle a plumbing issue, always contact your local plumbing professional. Plumbing problems can get out of hand fast, and the touch of a professional tradesman is always preferable to a botched DIY job.
We’re Your Go-To Plumbing Company
For any issues with your home plumbing system, contact the pros at Integrated Plumbing Solutions. We have a live representative standing by 24/7 at (678) 627-1067 to answer any questions you may have.
