9 Shocking Things You Wish You Knew About Your Plumbing System

A fully functional plumbing system makes homes pleasant to live in. On the other hand, any flaw can result in inconveniences that affect everyone in the family. It can also lead to expensive plumbing repairs. Homeowners have a lot of influence on the performance and reliability of their plumbing. If they get to know it better and follow sound plumbing advice, then they might be able to avoid countless headaches down the line.

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Plumbing Advice That Homeowners Should Follow

Below are some of the things you should know or wished you had known ahead of time.

1. Dripping Faucets Prevent Frozen Pipes

If you live in a cold region, then you might have experienced dealing with frozen pipes during harsh winters. These can block the flow of water so you might not be able to take a shower, wash the dishes, or do the laundry until the situation normalizes. In the worst cases, the water pipes might even burst open because water expands as it turns to ice. You’ll have to spend a lot of money on repairs. Prevent this by simply letting the faucets drip just a bit to keep the water flowing overnight.

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2. Cluttered Drain Traps Can Lead To Leaks

Kitchens require countless tools for cooking, cleaning, and other tasks. There is never enough space to store all of these so we tend to cram them wherever we can. The space under the sink is too large to go unutilized, for example, so this tends to get many of the cleaning tools. It’s fine to make use of the space but you should be careful what you place in here. Large items that bump into the drain traps can loosen the joints so keep tall trash cans, fire extinguishers, and cleaning bottles away from them. Keep the remaining items organized and clutter-free.

3. Keep Kitchen Grease Away From Sinks

It is all too tempting to pour excess frying oil and other fats down the drain. It’s convenient to do while you’re washing the pans, after all. The liquid can slide down easily, never to be seen again — or so you thought. The reality is that fats solidify once they cool and stick to various surfaces. If you are constantly pouring oils down the drain, then you might end up causing clogs. You’ll have to call a plumber to fix the problem for you. So what’s the alternative? Let the grease cool down then scrape it to a recyclable container. You can put this in the garbage to keep your pipes clear.

4. Garbage Disposals Are Not Trash Cans

Indeed, you should be careful about what you try to push down the drain even if you have a garbage disposal unit. Despite the name, it is not meant to be your secondary trash can. Small bits of soft food are fine including citrus rinds and cooked meat scraps. Turn on the faucet when you toss these. However, avoid putting in fibrous scraps such as potato peels and celery as the grinder might not be able to handle them in bulk. Whenever possible, put your food scraps in a compost pile instead and turn them into fertilizer for your garden.

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5. Turn Off the Main Water Valve Prior To Vacations

Before going on a long vacation, do a safety check around your house. Unplug all of the appliances. Close all of the faucets. It’s also a good idea to turn off the main switch for the electricity and main valve for the water source. This should prevent fire, flooding, and other problems while you’re away.

 

6. Be Mindful Of Toilet Puddles

Don’t ignore persistent puddles around the commode. This may be a sign of a failing wax ring seal. If allowed to continue, then the subflooring may get damaged after a while. Have a plumber replace this seal and check for issues right away to minimize damage.

7. Steer Clear Of Caustic Cleaners

Sink clogs are so common that many products are available to clear them up. However, you should be careful when using these as they can cause more harm in the long run by corroding the pipes and causing water leaks. Consider a natural drain cleaner instead of a caustic cleaner. If that doesn’t work, then call your trusted plumber.

8. Flushing Wipes Can Clog The Plumbing Pipes

Toilets are meant to flush human waste. When we use it to flush other items down, we run the risk of clogging the pipes. Keep a trash bin handy so that people are not tempted to use the toilet as a disposal unit. Wet wipes, sanitary napkins, scrubbers, and other items should go in the bin.

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9. Flush The Water Heater Annually

Water heaters collect mineral deposits and other substances over time. It’s best to flush them at least once a year for optimum performance. Plumbers can do this for you if you are not sure how to go about it. They can also conduct a quick maintenance check of your plumbing system for good measure.

 

Conclusion

Remember these tips to enjoy a stress-free home. Don’t hesitate to get the help of a professional if you encounter plumbing problems.

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Contact Robinson Plumbing, one of the most trusted plumbing companies in the Lehigh Valley, for reliable plumbing services. We offer various plumbing services ranging from water heater replacements, whole-house water filter installations, toilet repairs and replacements, water leak repairs, and more. We always give a wide range of solutions when possible for any plumbing repairs. This allows you to choose the best options for your budget and home.

We proudly offer the most affordable and best plumbing services in the Lehigh Valley area. Our plumbers all have the proper licenses and expertise to ensure your satisfaction. All of our work comes with a guarantee. Contact Robinson Plumbing today and schedule your free estimate.

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