A little prevention goes a long way when dealing with plumbing in your house or condo. Here are five common issues that plumbers see every day and tips that you can employ to avoid these problems:
Clogged Kitchen Sink
One of the most plumbing in the household is also one of the easiest to avoid. Pouring cooking oil and grease down the kitchen sink drain is a definite no-no. Over time, those oils will solidify and completely block the flow of liquids.
Pour any leftover grease into a separate container and dump it into the waste bin after it has cooled. Also, do not overload the garbage disposal and always run water when using it. Finally, invest in a sink screen to keep bits of food from washing down into the plumbing underneath the sink.
Leaky Faucet and Pipes
Small household leaks can add up to gallons of water lost every day, which in turn can add hundreds of dollars to your water bill. Dripping water from the faucet is easy to detect and is usually caused by a worn-out seal. However, the pipe system is normally hidden within the walls of your house. A leaking pipe can go virtually undetected for days, and by the time it is discovered, major damage has occurred to the structure. Do not wait until disaster strikes. Consider having your aging pipes evaluated by a professional Fox Valley plumbing.
Clogged Toilet
The toilet is not a trash can. Items such as baby wipes, cotton balls, feminine hygiene products, diapers, condoms and cigarette butts may cause a blockage. The only thing that should be flushed down the toilet is human waste and toilet paper. Hopefully, you know where your home’s water shut-off valve is located. If your toilet overflows due to a clog, turn off the water supply until a professional arrives.
Broken Water Heater
Just like the human body, a water heater has a certain life expectancy. Usually, water heaters last anywhere from eight to 12 years before needing to be replaced. Routinely flush the heater of the sediment that builds up at the bottom of the tank. If you live in an area that has hard water, this is especially important because these impurities can clog up the connected water lines.
Clogged Shower Drain
Much like the kitchen sink, the drain in your bathtub or shower is susceptible to backup when hair, soap and shampoo are mixed together in your pipes. A screen will prevent hair, jewelry and other objects from slipping into the drain. These screens are inexpensive and easy to install.
All homes are going to have plumbing issues, no matter how diligent you are when it comes to preventive maintenance. When those problems arise, call a professional to ensure the best repair results.
