Plumbing problems can be a headache to handle, and you might end up cursing your pipes for acting up. But, have you ever considered you might have had a role in this?
We often don’t realize when we’re practicing bad habits that can ruin our plumbing. But it’s essential to start taking care of your plumbing to prevent future repairs. Here are some tips on effective plumbing maintenance.
-
Clean Your Drains
Despite having good plumbing habits, your drains might still end up clogged due to unavoidable substances such as soap, shampoo, and grease. Your drains need regular cleaning to prevent any severe blockages.
Your first instinct might be to get some chemical drain cleaners. But these toxic chemicals might do more harm than good to your plumbing system.
If you have an already clogged up sink, try using a plunger to loosen it up or a drain snake for minor clogs. For regular cleaning, you can go with the trusty baking soda and vinegar combo.
Start by pouring baking soda down the drain and follow it with some vinegar. As we’ve learned from the many volcanoes at a science fair, baking soda and vinegar will create a chemical reaction. Pour more vinegar until the reaction stops.
-
Be Mindful of What You Put in the Garbage Disposal
It’s tempting to just chuck anything down the garbage disposal. But not all food is actually safe to put in the garbage disposal. Some can damage the system or back it up.
You should avoid dumping grease, coffee grounds, starchy items, nuts and seeds, bones, eggshells, tough meat, potato peels, and fibrous items in the garbage disposal. And of course, do not put any non-food items down the garbage disposal.
-
Don’t Pour Things Down Your Drain
Ideally, only water should go down the drain. But of course, we can’t avoid using soap and shampoo even if these things can clog the drains over time. If even soap and shampoo can damage the drain, imagine what other items can do to your plumbing.
It’s best to avoid additional debris and hair going down your shower drain by using a drain cover. For the toilet, you can only flush down toilet paper. Other items such as paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and cotton balls can cause the toilet to clog and overflow.
-
Prevent Pipes From Freezing Over
Wintertime can mean problems for your plumbing as the cold weather can freeze your pipes and rupture them. For outdoor faucets, use a shut-off valve if your faucet has it, or use a cover to keep the cold air out of your pipes.
For interior pipes, make sure the furnace is working correctly to prevent the pipes from freezing over. If you’re going to be out of town for a while, do not turn off the furnace. Instead, simply turn down your thermostat.
In Summary
It’s crucial to practice good plumbing habits to avoid any serious damage to your plumbing system. Regularly clean your drains, avoid dumping certain things down the garbage disposal and other drains, and prevent your pipes from freezing over in the winter.
For your plumbing problems, you can count on Professor Plumb to clear out those pipes. We are a Columbiana drain cleaning company that offers plumbing and gas services, new installations, and repairs. Contact us now to schedule a service appointment!