Plumbing problems always come up when you least expect them. They either build up over time and corner you or appear seemingly out of nowhere rendering you helpless. Luckily, there are ways to put more effort into your everyday routine, and pay a bit more attention to how you deal with the plumbing system.
Prevention is always better than expensive repairs. I wanted to better understand plumbing, and what to do to prevent major breaks as much as I can. According to One Stop Plumbers, there are a few simple tricks to resort to if you want to prevent plumbing issues down the line.
Never Ignore Leaks
Leaks are one of those issues that slowly but steadily annoy you more and more. As much as you try to not pay attention, that slow dripping from the sink at night is especially aggravating. That’s the least of your worries. The amount of water that goes to waste will reflect on your monthly bill which is never ideal. It is better to invest that money into a good plumber.
Leaks don’t go away magically. They grow bigger over time simultaneously with the repair cost. It is better to react the moment you notice something’s wrong and call a professional to diagnose and fix the problem. You can never be sure what might be causing the leak, the fix could be as quick as replacing the faucet or a more serious pipe problem in the wall. The key is reacting fast.
Double Check After Repairs
Leaks can be nasty. It is important to remember to perform a check after every plumbing endeavor. You can never be sure everything has been tightened properly so you need to run water through the system. Let the water run and then open and close all valves. It is recommended to do this test while the plumber is still at your place.
The Drain Will Get Clogged
This is one of those habits I talked about in the intro. The sink is not the same as the garbage can, and many people, out of ignorance or laziness would easily refer to the drain as the main thrash disposal. It is easier and more convenient as the water washes everything away quickly, but some of that waste remains in the pipes and eventually clogs the drain. You can then use a plunger or buy chemicals that burn the clog, but, in reality, the vastly superior solution is to avoid dumping food remains, grease, coffee grounds, and other organic material. Sooner or later the clog will appear leaving you surprised and unprepared.
Unfortunately, the pipes are bound to clog eventually, no matter how much you care. That’s normal, and in such situations, it is always good to have a quality plunger by your side.
The Toilet is Not The Alternative
The same rules apply to your toilet. The best-case scenario is to flush only toilet paper. Alternatively, you can designate a separate trash can in the bathroom for anything you feel like flushing. This way you will avoid nasty clogs in the long run.
Regular Maintenance
The best way to prevent any potential plumbing issues is to have someone over and investigate your system. You can schedule a visit from a plumber and let them uncover issues, this is recommended if you’ve just moved into a new apartment and you are not quite sure what you are dealing with. A good plumber will address any issues and share some advice on how to deal with the system and avoid major breaks.
