Your home’s plumbing system is one of those items you usually don’t pay too close attention to until something goes awry. And then, well, it’s no fun to deal with plumbing problems — and unfortunately repairs can be costly. So how do you help prevent issues that can stop your home’s plumbing system in its tracks?
Clean your drain traps regularly. During these checks look for simple clogs and potential drainage problems which are frustrating now but can be debilitating in the long term. When you’re cleaning your pipes, be gentle when it comes to using harsh chemicals, especially if you have a septic system.
Keep paint out of your drains. As you’re working on those summer home projects, make sure not to put paint or any other construction materials or fluids down the drain. Contact your city or town hall and they will be able to tell you the proper procedure for disposing of these materials in your area. Typically, there is a specific waste location that deals strictly with these items.
Manage your cooking grease. If you’re cooking and tempted to watch that grease out of the pan into the sink — don’t do it! Instead, allow the grease to cool, pour it into a jar or aluminum can and throw it in the trash.
Handle your garbage disposal with care. Everyone loves this modern-day convenience, but if you overload it or if you unload things into it that aren’t good for it — such as rice, coffee grounds and melon rinds — it can wear out and not do the job that it needs to, thus causing potential plumbing problems.
Be good to your faucet handles and they will be good to you. Twisting or pulling on them continuously to stop a small leak can strip the washer and complicate matters. Also, if you’re doing your own plumbing, make sure not to over tighten the faucets.
Don’t delay plumbing repairs. If you discover a problem that needs to be handled by a professional — don’t delay. The problem can get worse, creating more of an opportunity for even greater problems such as mold to take hold.
Have you purchased a new water heater? Make sure to allow it to fill completely before turning it on. Otherwise, you could do irreparable damage.
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Have more questions? Call us—we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!
