Plumbing problems can be a headache, but they don’t have to be. Every homeowner experiences them at some point, but they can usually be avoided by practicing good habits.
For example, regularly flushing your drains with hot water and occasionally adding vinegar can help prevent clogs. Also, make sure to check your pipes regularly for cracks or leaks.
Keep Your Drains Clean
One of the easiest ways to prevent drain clogs is by being careful about what goes down your drains. Some of the most common drain clogging culprits include hair, coffee grounds, stringy foods like celery or corn husks, grease, and soap scum. Placing mesh screens over all your drains, especially those in bathrooms, can help to catch a lot of these gunk and prevent them from getting into your pipes. Using a DIY drain pipe cleaning solution or store-bought cleaners on a regular basis can also be very helpful.
If you do end up with a drain clog, try pouring a cup of baking soda and then a cup of white vinegar down the drain. This should create a fizzing reaction and break up the blockage in your drain. Then just flush with hot water. If you are unable to remove the clog, call a plumber for assistance. Professional plumbers from sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-geelong/blocked-drains-geelong/ can resolve your issues quickly.
Don’t Pour Chemicals Down Your Drains
While the innocuous-looking bottles of liquid drain cleaners might seem like they’re doing some good, they can actually aggravate your clogged pipes. They can corrode the pipe walls, leaving them vulnerable to further damage and leaks. They also release dangerous chemical fumes that can irritate your skin, eyes and nose.
What’s more, pouring chemicals down your sinks can be hazardous to humans and the environment. Most wastewater treatment plants cannot decompose all chemical wastes, including those on the “safe list.” In addition, if your home’s drains connect to a storm system, that waste can directly enter local waterways.
Furthermore, some chemicals can interact with each other and create more hazardous compounds. For example, cyanide bases and chlorine bleach can form toxic gases when they are mixed. This is why it’s crucial to only use approved drain cleaners. And if you have a major clog, call a plumber instead of trying to fix it yourself with caustic chemicals.
Inspect Your Pipes Regularly
Homeowners often don’t give plumbing systems much thought until something goes wrong. That’s why plumbing inspections are so important. They can help prevent problems from getting worse, and they can save you money on expensive repairs in the future.
Even a small leak can lead to severe water damage over time, and a slow drain can turn into a sewer backup. Regular plumbing inspections will keep these issues from developing into a costly, catastrophic emergency.
A professional can check the integrity of your pipes using a non-invasive camera that snakes its way through the pipes without damaging them. It can identify the cause of a clog, such as grease build-up in the pipes or cracks in the pipe’s structure. It can also assess the condition of your main sewer line, such as whether tree roots are infiltrating the system or if there’s a major break that requires a pipe replacement.
Fix Minor Plumbing Issues Right Away
A plumbing emergency can be a nightmare for homeowners. Not only is it inconvenient and disruptive, but it can also cost a lot of money. That’s why it’s important to prevent plumbing problems from occurring in the first place. Fortunately, there are a few simple things that you can do to keep your plumbing in good condition.
Even minor issues such as slow drains or leaky faucets can turn into major headaches if left unattended. It’s always a good idea to fix them as soon as you notice them.
The holidays are a great time to get together with friends and family, but they can also put a strain on your home’s plumbing systems. The last thing you want is a clogged toilet or water line during your holiday festivities. If you notice any signs of a problem, be sure to shut off your main water valve before calling a plumber. This will help prevent serious flooding and other damage to your home.
The best way to avoid plumbing issues is to make sure you check in with your plumber and have a regular inspection to make sure there are no problems.