Whether you’re a new homeowner or you’ve been living in your home for years, it’s important to know some plumbing tips and tricks. Plumbing issues can be expensive and inconvenient, so it’s best to try to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are 10 of the most important plumbing tips that every homeowner needs!
If you’ve never done much hands-on maintenance around the home before, learning about plumbing can feel a little daunting. But there are actually some simple things that every homeowner could be doing to try to prevent or solve problems. Of course, if you ever feel out of your depth or have a plumbing emergency, you should always consider calling a professional. But for many other situations, there may be something you could be doing yourself to keep your plumbing ticking over smoothly. Here are 10 of the top tips and tricks you should know.
1. Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is Emergency Plumbing Experts Advise
The first step to take in any plumbing emergency is to turn off the water at the main shutoff. This is known as the main water shutoff or whole house shutoff valve. In most homes, the main water shutoff valve is in the basement, utility room, or under the sink in the kitchen. It’s important to know where your main water shutoff valve is to quickly turn it off if there’s a burst pipe or another plumbing emergency.
If you cannot locate the main water shutoff valve inside your home, you can cut off the water outside at the water vault in the ground with a meter key or call a Winder plumber near me to locate the valve.
2. Don’t Use Chemicals to Unblock Your Plumbing
If you have a blocked drain, it can be tempting to pour some chemicals down there to try and clear it out. But this is actually one of the worst things you can do! Chemical cleaners can be very corrosive and damage your pipes, worsening the problem. Chemicals are harmful to the environment, too. If you have a blocked drain, try using a plunger first. If that doesn’t work, you can always call a professional to take a look.
3. Winder Plumbing Company Says Don’t Flush Anything Other Than Toilet Paper Down the Toilet
We all know that toilet paper is the one thing you can flush down the toilet, but it’s amazing how many people still flush other things! Flushing anything else can cause serious blockages and plumbing problems. So, make sure you only flush toilet paper and nothing else!
Even wipes labeled as ‘flushable wipes’ can lead to toilet and pipe blockages. Flushable wipes are not flushable. They do not break down like paper and get stuck in the line. Call a plumber near Winder to clean and clear your sewer drain for stubborn toilet clogs.
4. Empty Your Traps
Your home will have traps installed in the drains to stop bad smells coming up into your home. These traps need to be emptied now and then to stop them from getting full. If you don’t empty your traps, bad smells could start to come up into your home through the drains. Traps are usually under the sink, so look there to see if you can find yours.
5. Don’t Ignore a Water Leak
Leaking taps may not seem like a big deal, but they can waste much water and money. If you have a leaking tap, make sure you get it fixed as soon as possible. It’s usually a pretty easy fix for a plumber. Don’t forget to also check for leaks in other places, such as your toilet. A leaking toilet wastes plenty of water and may even cause some structural damage to your home.
6. Plumbers Servicing Garbage Disposals Recommend Not Putting Food Down the Sink
You may not think putting food down the sink is a big deal, but it can cause serious plumbing problems. Food can get stuck in your drains and cause blockages. It also attracts pests, such as rats and cockroaches. So, ensure you dispose of food properly and not put it down the sink.
7. Check Your Pipes Regularly
It’s a good idea to check your pipes regularly for any signs of leaking or damage. Catching a plumbing line issue early makes it much easier to repair. You should also check your pipes if you’re going away on holiday, as a burst pipe will cause much damage if left unchecked. When checking your pipes, look for cracks, leaks, or drips. Also, check to see if your pipes are starting to rust. If you notice any of these problems, make sure you get them fixed as soon as possible. Call a Winder plumbing company to inspect the areas you found concerning.
8. Wipe Away Grease Before Washing Up
If you’re cooking with oil, butter, or another kind of grease, make sure you wipe it away before washing up. Grease builds up in your drains and causes blockages. It can also be difficult to remove, so it’s best to wipe it away before it has a chance to build up in your plumbing system. Even professional drain cleaning services find removing grease clogs challenging, so wipe it off before rinsing it.
9. Catch Hair in the Shower to Avoid Georgia Plumber Drain Repair Services
Hair is one of the most common things that can cause blockages in drains around Winder. If you have long hair, make sure you catch it in the shower before it has a chance to go down the drain. You can do this by using a hair catcher or a drain cover. Lift your drain cover occasionally, too, as some hair gets stuck underneath. Dispose of hair in the bin rather than washing it down the drain to avoid blockages.
10. Winder Plumbers Don’t Use Too Much Toilet Paper
One plumbing issue that every Winder, Georgia, plumber deals with is the overuse of toilet paper. Winder plumbers throughout the Winder area and nearby report that even though toilet paper is designed to be flushed down the toilet, it’s important not to use too much. If you use too much toilet paper, it can cause blockages in your drains. So, the reliable plumber tip is to be sure you only use a small amount of toilet paper when you go to the toilet and flush the toilet before you put too much toilet paper in the bowl. Master plumbers will happily offer plumbing services for clogged toilets, but why not avoid the issue altogether?
Anthony Wimpey Plumbing Services Winder, Georgia
If you follow these plumbing tips and tricks, you can avoid some serious plumbing problems in your home. Ensure you keep an eye on your plumbing and don’t ignore any problems. If you’re not sure how to fix a problem, call our professional plumbers. They will be able to help you fix the problem and avoid any further damage to your home.
When you need a local plumber, contact us. Our plumbers are close to Winder, GA, and near the phone. We are awaiting your call. Emergency plumbing services are available 24-7. Our other plumbing services include:
- Drain Cleaning and Drain Repair Services
- Sewer Repair and Installation Services
- Water Heater Repair and Installation Services
- Tankless Water Heater Installation and Repair Services
- Water Leak Detection and Repair Services
- Faucet Repair Service
- Burst Pipe and Line Repair
- Septic Tank Services
At Anthony Wimpey Plumbing, our skilled plumbers servicing Winder, GA, will be happy to compare repair versus replacement costs for you. For example, sometimes repairing a water heater is not the most cost-effective solution. There are times when replacing the heater makes more sense. We have the skills to complete the project no matter what plumber repair services you need. Call our local plumbing company at 770-284-8496.