We don’t always realize how much we rely on our plumbing system, but it’s something we use every single day, and we use it pretty heavily.
So when something with our plumbing goes wrong, it can be a nightmare. To avoid a disaster in plumbing Pooler GA residents should heed the following tips and keep an eye out for anything minor that could turn into something major.
Table of Contents
Prevent Clogging
Toilet and drain clogs can easily shut down an entire plumbing system. For this reason, you should learn how to prevent clogs from forming in the first place. The best way to do this is to be very careful about what you put down your drains. For instance, coffee grounds, egg shells, grease, cotton balls, paper towels, condoms, feminine hygiene products, and paint should never go down any drain. Even the items that are biodegradable won’t break down in time for them to prevent a clog.
In fact, there are certain toilet paper brands that aren’t the best for toilets because they take longer to break down. We know you like the three-ply, cushy toilet paper, but it’s really not great for your sewer pipes. You’ll find that your toilet backs up more often if you use this “premium” toilet paper than if you elect for the cheaper, one- or two-ply brands.
Watch for Leaks
If you can catch a leak when it’s small, it’s much easier to repair (and much less expensive) than if you don’t find the leak until it’s soaking your carpets and floorboards. Add a periodic check under your sinks to your chores list to ensure there is no moisture under the pipes. Also, be on the lookout for leaking faucets, water marks on your walls or ceiling, dripping refrigerators, or musty smells, all of which are signs of leaks.
Know How to Shut Off the Water
You’d be surprised at how many homeowners don’t know how to shut off the water supply to their house or even to individual appliances. Everyone should know how to do this in case a sink or toilet starts to overflow. You will want to act quickly to shut off the water to prevent extensive damage.
There are shutoff valves to each toilet, each sink, the dishwasher, and the washing machine. There is also a main shutoff valve that will stop the flow of water into the house, cutting off the water supply to all appliances at once. Make sure you know where all of them are, and even practice shutting them off to ensure you can do it in an emergency.
Skip the Chemical Drain Cleaners
Yes, chemical drain cleaners can work to remove a clog, but they actually do more long-term damage than short-term good. Chemical drain cleaners are highly corrosive and will eat away at your pipes, weakening them and making them more susceptible to cracks and leaks. If you cannot remove a clog by hand (or with a plunger), contact a plumber to take care of it for you.
Conclusion
No one wants a plumbing disaster; if you’ve ever had one, you know they come at the most inconvenient times. Fortunately, you can take steps to minimize your risk of a significant plumbing problem by following the advice given here.
