This Year, Set a Goal To Better Maintain a Home’s Plumbing System
Because the home plumbing system is mostly concealed behind walls and under floors, it’s often “out of sight, out of mind.” But modern daily life depends heavily on a properly functioning plumbing system. The minute a drain clogs or a toilet overflows or a pipe bursts, it disrupts schedules and requires expensive repairs.
But there is a way to prevent plumbing problems. This new year, homeowners should resolve to pay attention to their home’s plumbing system. They can save time and money by keeping drains cleaned, taking care of fixtures like the toilet, and staying alert for leaks.
Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning
Every sink, toilet, and tub in the house has a drain responsible for carrying wastewater away from the home. Those drain pipes can often clog because of how heavily they are used.
Clogs are most commonly formed of mineral deposits, soap residue, hair, dirt, debris, hard waste, grease, tree roots, and foreign objects. Clogs can form near the drain of a sink, tub, or toilet, in which case one may sometimes resolve them with a chemical agent and the help of a plunger or snake. Other times, clogs may form deep in the plumbing system and can be impossible for the homeowner to fix.
Scheduling an annual drain cleaning with a professional plumbing company will keep water and waste moving quickly and smoothly through the drain system. Plumbers may use a variety of methods to perform a drain cleaning, including snaking and hydrojetting. They may even offer video camera inspection of the sewer line to ensure the sewer pipe does not need repair.
Take Care of the Toilet
The toilet is one of the home’s most necessary plumbing fixtures. When the toilet is clogged, it can be a major inconvenience, especially if it’s the only toilet in the home! Clogged toilet repair is one of the most common requests for plumbing companies. Luckily, the average homeowner is not defenseless against toilet clogs.
Here are four easy ways homeowners can resolve to prevent a clogged toilet this year:
- Switch to thinner toilet paper. Many-ply toilet paper may feel luxurious, but it is slow to break down and may become jammed in drain pipes.
- Monitor what gets flushed. Never flush plastic, floss, wipes, or anything other than toilet paper and waste. Even “flushable” items can be really bad for the drain system.
- Install safety lid locks. If there are young children in the home, it’s a good idea to install a child safety lock on toilet lids to keep out curious little ones.
- Treat the toilet. Routine use of an enzymatic product or drain pipe maintenance chemical may help break down waste and keep drain pipe walls squeaky clean. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label.
Watch And Listen for Signs of Leaks
Some plumbing leaks are obvious, but others can go unnoticed because they can’t see every pipe in their home.
This year, homeowners should keep an eye (or ear) out for these signs of a leak:
- An unexplained spike in the water bill
- Warped or spongy flooring
- Mold or mildew on walls, ceiling, or floor
- A dripping or gurgling noise
- Puddles or excessive condensation
For homeowners that suspect they have a hidden leak, contact a professional plumber. A plumber has a few tools that can be used to aid in water leak detection, and they are familiar with the most common trouble spots in a residential plumbing system.
Get Help From Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air
Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air has been taking care of plumbing issues in Fairhope, AL since 1996. Their team of professional plumbers is experienced with all manners of plumbing services and can help ensure a safe and efficient home. Call now for professional drain cleaning services.
