Don’t Be Haunted by a Potential Plumbing Problem
For homeowners, one of the scariest situations they can encounter is an unexpected plumbing issue. The consequences can be severe, whether they have a clogged drain, a leaking pipe, or a malfunctioning water heater. The effects can be significant- and expensive- from causing an inconvenience to the household to causing water damage. This post will provide tips on how to avoid frightening plumbing problems.
Tips to Prevent Clogs
One of the most common plumbing issues households may encounter is clogs. Blocked drains and clogged sewer lines can lead to slow-draining sinks, sewage backups, and other problems. Fortunately, these issues can be prevented. Families should avoid putting risky items in the drains and toilets. Some things that should never go down the kitchen sink, even if it has a garbage disposal, are:
- Cooking oil or grease
- Eggshells
- Starchy foods
- Fruit pits and nuts
- Coffee grounds
To be safe, plumbers recommend putting all food items in the trash and not down the drain. Household residents should also only flush toilet paper and waste down the toilet. Any other items, including wipes, cotton swabs, cotton balls, and other things, should be thrown in the trash to prevent sewer line clogs.
Scheduling regular drain and cleaning services can also help homeowners avoid blockages in their drain and sewer lines. During these appointments, plumbers remove residue and other buildups to keep wastewater in the pipes flowing properly. Hydro jetting is often used for preventing clogs, as it can clean the entire pipe using water shot out of a nozzle at high pressure.
Schedule Plumbing Maintenance
Plumbers recommend that homeowners schedule routine plumbing maintenance to keep their plumbing system working correctly, prevent problems, and extend the life of the plumbing. In most cases, plumbing maintenance services should be performed once a year. Some tasks plumbers can perform during a maintenance visit include checking the water pressure, water shutoff valves, and plumbing fixtures.
Scheduling a plumbing maintenance appointment allows plumbers to check the plumbing system and identify issues that need to be repaired before the problem gets bigger and causes more significant problems for the household. For example, they can adjust the water pressure if it’s too high to avoid the pressure leading to cracked or burst pipes and water damage.
The Water Heater Needs Maintenance Too
Routine water heater maintenance, typically at least once a year, also has many benefits, such as preventing problems with the water heater, working more efficiently, saving on energy bills, and extending the water heater’s life. Some water heater maintenance tasks are:
- Checking for problems: If any issues like corrosion or leaks are detected, the plumber must repair them before they lead to larger problems.
- Drain and flush the tank: This will remove sediment or residue from the tank, allowing the water heater to operate better and more efficiently.
- Examine the pressure relief valve: The plumber will ensure the safety feature works correctly to prevent problems.
- Inspect the anode rod: This prevents corrosion inside the tank. Plumbers will check the condition of the anode rod and replace it if needed.
About Saratoga Plumbing & Heating
Saratoga Plumbing & Heating has more than ten years of expertise serving Saratoga Springs and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward prices, on-time service, and the latest technology. Call them today for plumbing services in Saratoga Springs, NY.