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Imagine waking up in the morning only to find that your toilet is overflowing or your basement is flooded and all your valuables and sentimental items destroyed. You pinch yourself and realize that it’s not a nightmare. Plumbing problems are never fun and always seem to happen at the worst possible time. Your home’s plumbing is a complex network of water pipes and drains that keep everything running smoothly. Unfortunately, we tend to forget the things we don’t see, and plumbing systems are often out of sight, out of mind–until something goes wrong.
The best way to avoid a plumbing disaster is to take proactive steps to maintain your system and keep it in good working condition. Here are 7 plumbing tips from a professional plumber in Brandon, FL, that you should master as a homeowner:
#1. Don’t Pour Grease Or Oil Down The Drain
Have you ever eaten a greasy meal to get a grease coat or fill-up? That’s what happens when you pour grease or oil down the drain. The grease coats the inside of the pipes, and over time, it will solidify and narrow the diameter.
You won’t notice it at first, but little by little, that grease or oil will clog your drains, leaving you with a big mess and a plumbing bill to match.
Think about your drains before you pour any grease or oil down them, and dispose of them properly instead. For instance, you can wait for the fat to solidify before throwing it in your compost bin.
#2. Don’t Use Chemical Drain Cleaners
If you notice your drains are starting to slow down, don’t reach for the nearest chemical drain cleaner. They’re hazardous when it comes to the health and well-being of your plumbing system.
The chemicals in drain cleaners are incredibly corrosive; with time, they’ll eat away at your pipes and cause them to degrade and weaken. In addition, the acidic nature of these chemicals can damage rubber seals and gaskets, leading to more leaks.
If you must use a drain cleaner, go for a natural or enzymatic option that uses bacteria or other non-toxic ingredients to break down the clog.
#3. Don’t Flush Foreign Objects Down The Toilet
We all know that human waste and toilet paper are the only things that should go down the toilet, but somehow, other objects always seem to find their way into the bowl.
Flushing foreign objects down the toilet is a surefire way to clog your pipes and cause extensive damage. Some of the things you should not flush down the toilet include, but not limited to:
- Sanitary pads
- Cigarette butts
- Packaging materials
- Food scraps
- Cotton balls
However, if you notice that your toilet is clogging more frequently, let a professional plumber in Brandon, FL to inspect and see if there are any foreign objects stuck in the pipes that could be the root of the problem.
#4. Don’t Ignore Leaks
That steady drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet may not seem like a big deal, but it is. A leaky faucet usually wastes up to eight gallons of water, while a running toilet can waste 200 gallons daily. Imagine the water you waste in a year and the money it can cost you.
Besides, leaks can cause water damage to your home and lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which poses a health risk to you and your loved ones. Therefore, if you notice a leak, no matter how small, don’t ignore it; call a professional plumber immediately to fix it before it becomes a significant—and costly—problem.
#5. Clean Out Your Gutters
While gutters aren’t technically part of your plumbing system, they play a crucial role in protecting your home from water damage.
Gutters are designed to collect rainwater and channel it away from your home. However, they can only do their job correctly if they’re clean. Clogged gutters cause water to pool and overflow, leading to water damage to your home’s foundation, landscaping, and more.
Water damage is something you don’t want to deal with. Let an expert plumber clean your gutters at least once a year. And if you have many trees on your property, have them cleaned more frequently.
#6. Know When To Replace Your Water Heater
Your water heater is one of your home’s most essential and expensive appliances. It provides hot water for showers, laundry, dishes, and more. However, like all appliances, it has a limited lifespan. The average water heater will last between eight and 12 years. But, if you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to replace it before it fails and leaves you stranded without hot water:
- Your water heater is more than eight years old
- You must adjust the temperature constantly because it’s not hot enough or too hot.
- Your energy bills have increased significantly
- There is water pooling around your water heater
- Your water heater makes strange noises
If you’re unsure whether it’s time to replace your water heater or not, seek help from a professional plumber.
#7. Find A Local Plumbing Specialist For Inspection
Unless you’re a plumbing specialist, adding a local trusted plumber to your call list will pay off big time. A professional can help you with everything from fixing a leaky faucet to conducting a whole-house inspection to ensure your plumbing system is operating efficiently.
Shop around. Ask relatives, friends, neighbors, or colleagues for referrals to a good plumber. Once you’ve found a plumber with a good reputation, add their number to your speed dial, and be sure to use it when needed.
For all your plumbing needs in Brandon, FL, call Drain Flo Plumbing. We’re a full-service plumbing company that offers a wide range of services, including repairs, installations, and inspections. Our plumbers are licensed, insured and bonded, and available 24/7 to help you with any plumbing problem in your home.
For more information, contact us at 813-565-0559 Today!
