Your plumbing system’s efficiency and lifespan is all dependent on how well you care for it. Some simple habits that seem harmless could be the reason you end up spending lots of money each year on repairs and replacement. you can find a processional plumber at 5-Star Plumbing . This article highlights some of those key things that homeowners often do that end up ruining the plumbing system.
Trash Down the Drain
Throwing everything down the kitchen sink seems like an easy way to get everything cleaned up fast but it is a habit that often results to plumbing issues. The bones, wrappings, eggshells, paper towels, rice, pasta, flour and coffee grains and other grains should not be poured down the sink. Grease too is another culprit that shouldn’t go down the sink. This is because grease will solidify and cause residue build up and blockage. Other than blockage, the trash you throw down the drain can decompose and cause bad odors in your home. For the bathroom, avoid letting hair strands down the drain when you are shaving or washing your hair. Hair strands can be easily trapped by other residue in the pipes leading to clogs. Don’t forget about the toilet too. The only thing that should go down the toilet is toilet paper. Feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, diapers, and plastics should not be flushed down the toilet.
Chemicals
Using chemicals often to fix clogs and other plumbing issues is another habit that can ruin your plumbing system. Some chemicals can destroy your pipes leading to leaks. Additionally, if you don’t choose the right chemical product or when you use one in excess, the clog you are trying to get rid of could actually get worse. Thus, instead of resulting to chemicals every time you have an issue, talk to local plumbers in your area. They will advise you on the best action to take and what products to use.
Wrong Choice of Plumbing Products
Wrong choice of plumbing materials is another cause of plumbing issues. The most common mistake homeowners make is using two different metals. This will lead to corrosion and leaks. Therefore, ensure your plumbing is done with the right products to avoid leaks and other plumbing issues.
Roots
Trees make homes beautiful and are good for the environment. However, if you plant them in the wrong location, they can cause plumbing issues. Roots growing too close to the pipes can cause cracks and blockage. The only way to avoid such issue is to check the position of pipes and sewer lines when planting trees. If you already have some trees close to your plumbing, call in a plumber to check whether the roots are affecting the pipes. Also, ensure that leaks are fixed as soon as possible and that your trees have a good supply of water and nutrients.
DIY
Unless you are an expert in plumbing, you shouldn’t handle major plumbing repairs and replacements by yourself. When a plumbing issue is not fixed the right way, you could end up with more damage. Thus, while DIY is a good way to save money, it is not a good idea when you don’t know how to do something well. The best way to fix major plumbing issues is to call in a reputable plumber. It will be a small price to pay for the health and lifespan of your plumbing system.
Other than the proper day to day care, you should also consider routine checks for your plumbing system. An annual professional plumbing check-up and maintenance service can reveal small issues in your plumbing system and fix them before they become serious. A plumbing professional will check the entire system for leaks, corrosion, clogs, cracks, loose fittings, residue build-up, and functionality defects among other things. Other than detecting and fixing issues on time, regular plumbing maintenance can help in increasing the lifespan of your plumbing system. When selecting a plumber for your home, check the qualifications and experience, legal compliance, location, areas of specialization and cost.
Finally, ensure you don’t ignore any plumbing issue. By fixing an issue immediately, you prevent it from becoming worse and you will also keep your repair costs low. Speaking of repair expenses, don’t forget to check the plumbing issues that are covered by your home insurance policy. If the coverage is not enough, you may have to take up some extra emergency coverage or setup an emergency savings account to cater for what is not covered by your policy. For something like a leak, postponing repairs will also raise your utility bills. Therefore, get all plumbing issues fixed immediately no matter how small they look.
