Most homeowners believe that one cannot predict a plumbing emergency. That is not entirely true, though!
You cannot predict the future, but you can control your present. If you can take the right actions for your plumbing in the present, you can avoid emergencies in the future.
How?
When traced back, the cause of every plumbing emergency is neglect and incorrect methods. Hence, if you can correct your actions and practices, you can avoid 90% of plumbing emergencies. You can also save money from fewer visits from your emergency plumber in Geelong.
Here are the 9 tips you need to ensure proper plumbing care.
Call it preventative measures or general care; following these tips will significantly reduce your chances of having an unforeseen plumbing disaster at home.
1. Regular Plumbing Inspection
A plumbing inspection is essential to prevent future plumbing problems and emergencies in your home. It is up to you whether you want to do it yourself or take a professional’s help, but regular plumbing inspection is much needed in the current scenario of growing needs.
During a plumbing inspection, a professional plumber will examine your plumbing system, including pipes, fixtures, and appliances, to ensure everything works correctly and efficiently.
They will also look for signs of wear and tear, leaks, and other potential issues that could cause damage or pose a risk to your home’s safety. With these inspections, you can identify and address problems early on, saving you time, money, and the hassle of dealing with emergencies.
Thus, we recommend you schedule a plumbing inspection at least once a year or more often for older homes.
2. Mind What You Flush
Toilets cannot flush everything. People often consider toilets as dust bins, which eventually cause blocks. These blockages can grow over time and create a plumbing emergency one day.
Hence, you must avoid flushing items such as paper towels, feminine products, and baby wipes, which can cause blockages and backups. People assume anything small enough to fit through the toilet drain is safe to flush, but this is false.Only toilet paper and human waste are flushable down the toilet.
So, avoid these issues by minding what you flush. Make sure everyone in your household knows what is safe to flush and what is not.
Provide a trash can in your bathroom for the disposal of non-flushable items. If you have small children in the home, keep an eye on them in the bathroom and supervise their flushing habits.
Keep the contact information of a specialist in blocked toilets in Geelong with you and call them before the issue gets bigger.
3. Use Drain Strainers
Using drain strainers or filters is an easy and effective way to prevent clogs in your plumbing system. You place these strainers over the drain in your sink, shower, or bathtub, and they catch hair, food particles, and other debris before they can go down the drain and cause a blockage.
Drain strainers come in various sizes and styles, so you can choose one that fits your drain. Typically, they are made of mesh or other durable materials, and you can also easily remove and clean them.
Using drain strainers consistently keeps your plumbing system clear and free of clogs. It can save you time and money on costly emergency plumbing repairs.
4. Do Not Use Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners are very harsh on your plumbing system, and can cause more harm than good.
The chemicals in these cleaners can corrode your pipes over time, and they can even cause leaks and other damage. Further, these cleaners can harm the environment, as they contain chemicals that can contaminate water sources and harm aquatic life.
Instead of using chemical drain cleaners, consider natural alternatives like baking soda and vinegar. These substances can effectively break down clogs without damaging your pipes or the environment.
Alternatively, you can use a plunger or a drain snake to remove clogs without resorting to harsh chemicals. By avoiding chemical drain cleaners, you protect your plumbing system and the environment while saving money on costly repairs in the long run.
If the clogs are too stubborn, it is better to call a blocked drain plumber in Geelong and confirm if there is any significant issue behind it.
5. Regularly Check for Leaks
Even small leaks can turn into bigger issues over time. Regularly checking for leaks in faucets, toilets, and pipes can prevent them from becoming major problems. Also, remember to check under sinks, behind toilets, and other hidden areas where leaks can occur.
If you have regular maintenance scheduled with a professional plumber, they will ensure all these for you.
6. Avoid Pouring Grease and Oil Down the Drain
Grease and oil can solidify and cause blockages in your pipes. It is a relatively common scenario in kitchen drains. Hence, instead of pouring them down the drain, put them in a container and dispose of them properly.
7. Monitor Water Pressure
People often worry about low water pressure. However, the real concern should be high water pressure.
All that happens from low water pressure is some delay and inconvenience. But High water pressure can cause stress on your pipes and lead to leaks and bursts. It can turn into a big plumbing emergency if not handled immediately.
You can use a pressure gauge to monitor and adjust water pressure it accordingly.
8. Know the Location of Your Main Water Valve
In a plumbing emergency, knowing the location of your main water valve can prevent significant water damage to your home. Make sure that everyone in your home knows where it is located.
9. Replace Old Plumbing Fixtures
Old plumbing fixtures such as faucets, toilets, and pipes can wear out and cause leaks and other issues. Replacing them with new, efficient fixtures can prevent emergency plumbing situations and save money on your water bill.
Final Words
Following these 9 preventive measures can avoid emergency plumbing situations in your home. Remember, a little prevention can go a long way in saving you time, money, and stress.
On top of it all, you need the right help to maintain your plumbing system in tip-top condition. Your Local Plumbing is a trusted partner for all kinds of plumbing needs. Their experts deeply understand the subject, and thus, you can completely trust them with your property.