Your plumbing system is an essential component of your home. When it's in working order, life is good. However, when you have a plumbing problem like a clogged drain, it can seem like the end of the world. Here are four simple practices that you should perform regarding taking care of your home's plumbing system.
Clean Problem Drains
Over time, you may notice that one of your drains seems to be draining slower than usual. This is typically an early warning sign that a clog is brewing. You'll want to be proactive and clean out your drain before it becomes completely clogged. This can be done with a mixture of hot water and white vinegar. You can add some baking soda to the drain before you pour down this mixture for an extra boost.
Be Mindful of What You Pour Down the Drain
One of the most common issues that homeowners run into is a clogged drain. This is usually the result of built-up debris, waste, and dirt in your plumbing system. To avoid clogs, you should be very mindful of what you pour down your drain. Avoid pouring oils, fatty liquids, and grease down your drains as these substances will gel up when they cool down. This can create an unwanted clog in your system and require you to enlist the help of plumbing services in your area.
Look for Leaks Regularly
Leaks in your plumbing system can lead to costly repairs when left untreated. For this reason, it's a good idea to perform regular inspections. An inspection should consist of visually inspecting your pipe valves, showerheads, faucet handles, pipe fittings, and toilet flappers. Also, pay close attention to any new signs of water stains on your ceilings or walls.
Don't Use Chemical Clog Removers
It may sound easy to grab a drain cleaner at your local store when you're having a problem. However, this is not a good option. Many chemical drain cleaners have hydrochloric acid in their formula. This acid can be extremely hard on pipes and cause corrosion throughout your plumbing system. Using a drain snake should be your go-to for drain clogs.
Taking care of your plumbing system is a must to ensure that it lasts. When you perform the four practices above, you'll be setting yourself up for maintaining a good-working plumbing system. Remember, take care of any problems early so that they don't turn into costly fixes later on.
