Plumbing problems don’t just attract costly repairs. They can also prevent you from doing your everyday activities. And because you can’t predict every plumbing emergency, you need to take care of your system to avoid sudden inconveniences.
Learn about the most effective preventative maintenance tips to help your plumbing system serve you better for longer.
1. Avoid DIY Drain Cleaners
Most drain cleaners are often advertised as a quick and easy way to get rid of clogs in your drainpipes. While they contain additives to dissolve stubborn clogs, they may also have harsh chemicals that could spell trouble for your pipes.
Drain cleaners strip out any debris stuck inside the pipes. If nothing is stuck, however, the drain cleaner will be in direct contact with the inner pipe lining. Your pipes may have nothing to protect them against the harsh chemicals from the drain cleaner.
These chemicals may gradually eat away at the inner pipe lining and eventually wear out the pipes. Over time, cracks may develop on the pipe surface. Wastewater could leak out from these cracks. In addition, the pipes may become weaker and collapse.
To protect your pipes against unintended damage, avoid drain cleaners altogether. You can ask your plumber to come in for a drain cleaning appointment instead. Reputable plumbing experts use proven mechanisms to unclog your drains without any damage to your plumbing system.
2. Schedule Regular Checkups
Some of the most common plumbing problems are easily correctable if you can catch them early. But you may have to keep an eye out for any signs of trouble to identify these issues on time.
However, a few plumbing issues (such as hidden leaks) may not have obvious signs that the average homeowner can identify. Luckily, routine inspections can help catch problems early – some that you might not even know about.
During the inspection, your plumber may examine several crucial parts of your system to see if anything needs attention. They may first examine your home’s structure for any signs of water damage.
Next, your plumber could inspect the pipes and faucets for any cracks or leaks that might not be too obvious. They could use specialized diagnostic equipment to uncover many issues that you might miss. If you need to replace anything, your plumber can let you know on time before something goes wrong. They could also suggest a regular inspection schedule to help save both your time and money.
3. Watch What You Flush
How you treat your plumbing system may determine how well it serves you. As such, you need to be careful what you flush down your drains. For instance, pouring grease into the drains can result in stubborn clogs that don’t seem to go away.
Grease may accumulate inside your drainpipes and form blockages. As a result, wastewater may not flow smoothly through the blockage. Gradual grease buildup may also extend to the sewer system. Stubborn clogs might form inside the sewer pipes and create backup problems.
Similarly, flushable wipes and other hygiene products can cause serious plumbing issues if you flush them down the drains. These items may take longer to break down once inside your waste disposal system. Moreover, they may trap other solid debris to create tough blockages that you can’t get rid of with traditional DIY methods.
Avoid such problems and separate your waste to protect against blockages. Dispose of grease into plastic containers that you can put in your trash can. Remember to discard leftover food safely rather than pouring it down the drain. Finally, discard wipes and other hygiene products elsewhere instead of flushing them down your plumbing system.
These preventative tips should help protect your plumbing system from deterioration and frequent repairs. Contact us at Arnold & Sons Plumbing, Sewer and Drain Services to schedule a thorough plumbing inspection.
