One of the most dreaded situations that a homeowner will have to contend with is a plumbing emergency. They typically happen at the most inopportune times and can cause expensive property damage if not addressed in good time. However, one thing homeowners do not keep in mind is that you can keep these plumbing emergencies at bay with a few simple measures. This does not mean that you will never have to experience a plumbing emergency but it will decrease your home's susceptibility to them. The following are some of the tips that you could employ to avoid unnecessary plumbing emergencies in your home.
Tip 1: Keep grease away from your sinks
Most plumbers will concur that a majority of plumbing emergencies stem from the kitchen sink. This is because they have a propensity of developing clogs due to the amount of waste material that goes down them from leftover food particles. Although you may be consciously trying to ensure that grease does not go down your drains, as long as you cook with oil it will make its way down your kitchen sink. The longer this goes on, the the more grease accumulates and hardens, which eventually narrows the diameter of pipes. This makes it easier for obstructions to form and cause plumbing problems. Instead, you should invest in a grease trap that will prevent this from happening.
Tip 2: Do not use exposed pipes to hang items
Another way that homeowners unwittingly expose themselves to plumbing problems is the inappropriate use of their piping. Exposed piping tends to be common in rooms that are not used on a regular basis such as the basement. Some homeowners will probably have their washing machine and dryer in this room and develop a tendency to hang wet or pressed items on the piping. The reality is that these pipes were not designed to provide support. Hanging heavy clothes items on them on a regular basis puts them at risk of bending due to the increased strain. In the worst-case scenario, your pipes may even burst, which could lead to flooding in your basement. It would be in your best interest to desist from hanging any items from piping that is exposed.
Tip 3: Limit your use of drop-in toilet bowl cleaners
Cleaning the toilet is not a chore that many people enjoy. Which is why drop-in toilet cleaner are increasingly popular, as they seem to do all the work for you. The truth is these cleaners are chock-full of chemicals that can gradually begin to leach into your pipes and damage them. Instead of using these cleaners on a regular basis, limit your usage or stop using them altogether.
