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How to Prevent Plumbing Problems in Your Home

September 20 2021

When you own a home, the whole way you look at the world changes. All of a sudden “foundation issues” or “roof leak” become some of the scariest and most terrifying phrases you’ve ever heard. Up there on the same list includes the phrase “plumbing nightmares.”

No one wants to deal with clogged pipes, backups, water damage, or other plumbing issues. However, the best way to avoid these outcomes is with regular home plumbing maintenance.

Are you wondering how to prevent plumbing problems in your home before they occur? Lets’ take a look at what you should know.

Clean Your Drains and Pipes Once a Month

Even when you treat your pipes well, grease, gunk, and hair can build up over time. About once a month, you can use a non-corrosive drain cleaner that can help clear away grit and grime without harming your pipes. You can also pour a small amount of baking soda into your drain and then wash it down with hot water, which can both help clean your pipes and counteract unpleasant odors.

Make sure that the pop-up stoppers in your sink are also free of debris and hair as well.

Deal With Recurring Problems

If there’s something that’s been a little finicky or off when it comes to your plumbing, the best way to prevent plumbing nightmares is to deal with recurring problems right away rather than waiting for them to arise again.

It’s always going to be cheaper to fix plumbing problems before they get out of control. There are a number of things that could be causing recurring issues such as backups, including structural issues in the pipes and tree roots entering sewer lines.

If you have a small repair you’re planning to make on your own, be sure to stop by Hanover Supply Co. for all your plumbing supply needs.

Flush Your Drains Regularly

It’s a good idea to run hot water down your drain with relative frequency. This is because it can help break up the oils that are found in food products that can collect on the walls of pipes. What this does is help to prevent potential clogs from forming.

It can also be useful to pour vinegar down your drain occasionally. For low-volume fixtures that rarely ever receive the volume of water necessary to really get rid of the debris, flush a large amount (about five gallons) of water down your bathtubs and sinks to keep pipes clear.

Make Sure Debris Can’t Get Into Pipes

The most common cause of clogs is hair. As a part of regular home plumbing maintenance, it’s your job to prevent hair from getting down into your pipes. You can use a mesh drain screen for your showers and tubs where hair is most likely to collect.

You can also install a lint catch on the hose of your washing machine to prevent lint from getting into the drains.

Don’t Rely Too Heavily on Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals can be very convenient, but relying on them too heavily can lead to plumbing problems. It’s best to collect waste and compost when possible so avoid creating clogs in your sink. You can also work to keep your garbage disposal clean by grinding up ice cubes with salt or by using a special brush designed for the purpose.

Don’t Dump Grease Down the Drain

One of the worst things that you can put in your pipes is grease. When grease is hot, it’s a liquid. However, when it cools, it congeals and can easily stick to the side of pipes and create clogs.

When you have cooking grease to dispose of, resist the urge to pour it down the drain. The best way to deal with this is to collect it in a container, wait for it to cool, and then throw it in the trash with a top on it.

Don’t Flush Anything But Waste and Toilet Paper Down the Toilet

Many people don’t realize just how problematic it can be to flush bathroom products down the toilet. Things like cotton balls, hair, dental floss, and feminine products can cause major clogs that are a real nightmare to deal with. Even paper towel, which is designed to expand when wet, can cause big issues if you flush it down the toilet.

For everything except waste and toilet paper, use the trash can. This way you can avoid having to use the plunger or call the plumber.

When Should You Call the Plumber?

There are a number of times when calling a plumber is the best way to deal with a plumbing issue. Some telltale signs that it’s time to get a professional’s help include:

  • Not having any water at all
  • Not having any hot water
  • Having a weeping hot water heater
  • Having a low water pressure
  • Drains are draining slowly or not at all
  • Dripping faucets
  • Overflowing toilet
  • Sewage smell in the home

Sometimes, calling a plumber is the quickest, easiest, and safest bet when it comes to plumbing problems. By regularly cleaning your pipes and performing home plumbing maintenance, though, you can help reduce the chance that you have to call a plumber any time soon.

Hanover Supply Co. Is the Best Plumbing Supply Company in New Jersey

Learning how to prevent plumbing problems is definitely a worthwhile investment of time. It doesn’t take much in the way of maintenance to ward off the worst of disasters. And, like most things in life, catching problems early can make them way easier and more affordable to solve.

Is it time for you to create your dream bathroom? If so, check out our design showroom today!

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