Did you know that plumbing problems are one of the biggest nightmares homeowners deal with? There’s nothing more frustrating than dealing with a leaky faucet or a clogged drain – especially when you don’t know how to fix it! Knowledge and prevention are your best tools against creating plumbing problems. The experienced plumbers at Douglas Cooling & Heating are here to teach you some great tips to help you avoid plumbing system issues from developing in your home.
5 Ways to Prevent Plumbing Problems
As we discuss the 5 ways to prevent plumbing problems, we’ll explain the common issue many homeowners face as well as what you can do to avoid experiencing these issues in your home.
1. Low Water Pressure
At the top of our list is how to avoid low water pressure. Most of us have experienced the frustration of low water pressure in the shower or at the sink. While there can be several causes of this problem, one of the most common is sediment buildup within plumbing fixtures. Over time, minerals in the water can collect on the aerator or showerhead, decreasing the flow of water and leading to a loss of pressure.
The good news is that this problem can be easily fixed by regularly cleaning the aerator or showerhead. To clean an aerator, simply unscrew it from the faucet and soak it in vinegar for 30 minutes. For a showerhead, remove it from the arm and soak it in vinegar overnight. If you have hard water, you may need to scrub the aerator or showerhead with a toothbrush to remove all of the sediment. By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your fixtures always have strong water pressure.
2. Busted Washing Machine Hoses
Another thing on our list of how to avoid certain plumbing nightmares pertains to your washing machine. Many people don’t realize that their washing machine’s rubber hoses are at risk of bursting. This can happen when there is no one around to hear it, resulting in massive water leakage – about five gallons per minute. To avoid this problem, it’s important to replace the rubber hose of the washing machine with a stainless-steel braided hose. This will help you prevent unexpected plumbing emergencies. The braided hose is more durable and less likely to burst, so you can rest assured that your home is safe from unwanted water damage.
3. Clogged Drains
One of the most annoying plumbing issues is a clogged drain in a sink, tub, or toilet. One of the main causes of these clogs is simply what gets put down the drains. To avoid frustration and costly repairs, there are some common items that should never be put down any type of drain. Never pour cooking grease down the drain in the kitchen sink, and instead wipe your pan or plate with a paper towel and throw it in the trash. It may seem liquid when hot, but it will solidify once it cools and can quickly build up, causing a clog. Also, be careful with what you put down your garbage disposal. While it may be tempting to put down every food item, there are some that should be avoided as this can cause clogs or damage to the disposal. Never put coffee grounds, egg shells, fruit or vegetable skins, or non-food particles in the garbage disposal.
Only toilet paper should be flushed down toilets. While many items are advertised as “flushable,” they often do not break down as quickly as toilet paper and can cause serious clogs.
4. Unintentional Pipe Damage
If your plumbing is in need of a good cleaning, you may be tempted to reach for the nearest bottle of drain cleaner. However, research has shown that many of these cleaners are actually quite harsh and can damage your drains. As a result, many people have turned to simpler and gentler store-bought or DIY cleaners, such as baking soda and white vinegar. These cleaners use common household ingredients like baking soda and vinegar to break down buildup and gunk. For shower drains that are clogged, the common culprit is often hair and soap scum. A drain screen can help prevent hair from going down the drain, and then you can throw the hair out in the trash.
5. A Running Toilet
If your toilet is running constantly, this is one of the many plumbing issues that can result in an unexpectedly high water bill. You’ll want to fix a running toilet right away because not only is it annoying, but it’s also a huge waste of a lot of water. If your toilet is constantly running, it is likely that the flapper valve is not fitting properly. The flapper valve is responsible for stopping the flow of water into the bowl after the tank has been flushed. If it does not fit properly, water will continue to run. To fix this, you will need to adjust the chain that connects the flapper valve to the handle. The chain should be long enough so that when the handle is lifted, the flapper valve opens fully. However, it should not be so long that it gets caught under the flapper valve when it closes.
Plumbing Services for Homeowners
When it comes to plumbing, prevention is the best cure. By following these 5 ways to prevent plumbing problems, you can help keep your pipes and fixtures clear and functioning properly all year long. If you do experience a plumbing problem or even an emergency, don’t hesitate to call Douglas Cooling & Heating for fast and reliable repair service.
