Don’t Let a Plumbing Disaster Haunt the House!
Many plumbing problems are preventable. Yet, when plumbing problems arise, the first thing many homeowners say is, “how did this happen?” Thankfully, there are many small things homeowners can do or implement in their day-to-day lives to prevent plumbing issues from arising. Some ways to avoid a plumbing emergency include:
Keep Drains Clear of Debris
Nothing should go down a drain except water and soap residue. Anything else could cause a clog and prevent water from flowing. Homeowners can help keep drains clear by:
- Throwing foodstuffs in the garbage: One shouldn’t force crumbs down the drain. They should gather these items using a sponge and toss them out. Even if the sink has a garbage disposal, one should still be mindful of what enters the drain.
- Refraining from using drain cleaners: Liquid drain cleaners can be a plumbing system’s worst nightmare. That's because these products rely on corrosive chemicals to break down clogs. Over time, they can break down pipes, causing leaks and other disasters.
- Drain cleaning: Routine drain cleaning by a plumber is recommended to prevent clogs. Homeowners can also help clean their drains by occasionally pouring baking soda and vinegar down the drain.These substances are popular for grade-school science volcanoes. However, in combination, they can also clean and clear away obstructions that build up in pipes.
Keeping a drain clear to prevent clogs and the consequences of clogs isn’t a one-time deal. Neglecting the drain can create many problems that could waste money, water, and a homeowner’s time.
Preventing Clogged Toilets
The Orlando Sentinel reports that homeowners should only flush waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Anything else (even wipes that claim to be “flushable”) could cause a serious clog in the toilet or sewer line. Homeowners should refrain from flushing these items:
- Paper towels
- Condoms
- Menstruation products, such as pads and tampons
- Baby wipes
- Tissues, napkins, and paper towels
- Cosmetics
- Q-tips
- Cotton balls
- Food
- Medications
Plumbing systems can last a long time. However, at the same time, they’re fragile. If one makes a habit of flushing certain items down the toilet that they shouldn’t, they risk a potential plumbing emergency.
Regularly Maintaining the Water Heater
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that standard water heaters last about 10 to 15 years, while tankless water heaters can last over 20 years. Yet, these lifespans aren’t guaranteed. A homeowner must have the water heater regularly maintained and address problems as they arise to get the most out of their water heater.
Water heater maintenance is key to a long lifespan for the water heater. When a professional maintains the system, they perform several tasks, including:
- Flushing the tank: Sediment build-up inside the water heater can lead to many problems. An expert can flush and drain the tank during maintenance to get the sediment out of the system.
- Patching any leaks: Leaks do not fix themselves. A plumber can repair the leak or replace a defective pipe.
- Testing the appliance’s valves: Valves control the water flow. A weak valve could affect water pressure and how water heats up, so plumbers will check the valves and replace them if needed.
A plumber can evaluate one’s water heater and explain what other measures can prevent certain issues. Neglecting water heater maintenance can result in higher utility bills, fluctuating water temperatures, corrosion, and leaks.
About Shamrock Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Inc.
Shamrock Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Inc. has nearly two decades of experience serving Orlando, FL, and the surrounding areas. They offer 24/7 emergency response, no overtime charges, and fast turnarounds. Call them today for drain cleaning or water heater services in Orlando, FL.