Plumbing emergencies are unpredictable and can cause very expensive repairs. With a bit of foresight and understanding, you can stave off stress and rest assured knowing your plumbing is safe. Read on for practical tips to prevent plumbing emergencies.
Tips to Prevent Plumbing Emergencies
- Never pour fats, oils, or grease down the sink
When you rinse these fats down your sink, they’re usually in a liquid state. As fat travels down the drainpipe, it coagulates and becomes sticky. This sticky mass attracts other detritus and can cause a nasty clog. Always let fats, oils, and grease solidify, then dispose of them in the trash can. - Don’t use flushable wipes
The majority of “flushable” wipes on the market don’t biodegrade quickly enough to avoid clogging your pipes. If you use them, don’t flush them down the toilet. Instead, dispose of them in the trash can. - Don’t hang anything from exposed pipes
If your home has exposed pipes, it might be tempting to hang clothes, wet towels, or even decorative accents from them, but don’t do it. Extra weight puts stress on the joints, weakens them, and can cause a nasty failure when you least expect it. - Don’t use drop-in toilet bowl cleaners
These cleaners are corrosive and can void the warranties of some toilets. Use some chlorine and elbow grease to clean your toilet instead of relying on drop-ins. - Use stainless steel reinforced clothes washer hoses
Rubber washing machine hoses lose flexibility over time and can be subject to leaks and even bursting. Spend a little extra money right now and replace your hoses with stainless steel to prevent future flooding. - Use garbage disposal judiciously
It might be tempting to try to grind all the old, uneaten food and wash it down the disposal. However, there are certain foods that belong in the trash or compost, not the disposal. No need to see how much your pipes can handle unless you enjoy clogged sinks. - Know the location of your water shut off valve
If you do happen to have a burst pipe, knowing beforehand how to shut the water off to the house is key. It can mean the difference between a new ceiling or just a few wet towels. - Don’t clean drains with harsh chemicals
Harsh chemicals can, of course, eat through clogs. These same chemicals can also eat through pipes over time. Don’t use them! - Drain your water heater tank annually to remove sediment build-up
Your water heater has an inner lining to prevent the tank from rusting. Sediment buildup in your tank causes your water heater to produce less hot water and makes your tank heat your water more frequently. If the tank is always running, it can overheat and crack the protective lining, causing a major leak. Contact a professional to flush your water heater yearly to avoid this disaster.
If you need more tips to prevent plumbing emergencies, contact Mr. Plumber today or schedule an appointment online!
Get Help from Atlanta’s Most Trusted Plumber
Mr. Plumber has been serving the Atlanta metro area for decades. If you need an emergency plumbing service, drain service, or water heater repair, turn to the experts at Mr. Plumber. When you invite one of our licensed plumbers into your home, you can expect quality workmanship and satisfaction guaranteed. Contact Mr. Plumber today or schedule an appointment online!
