Plumbing Tips

How do you prevent plumbing problems?

Here are some tips:

1. Give your pipes a good cleaning once a month. Hair, grease, and other gunk build up in drains over time. 
2. Fix recurring problems.
3. Block debris from entering pipes.
4. Flush your drains regularly.
5. Don't dump grease down the drain.
6. Give your garbage disposal a rest. 
7. Don't throw things down the toilet.
8. don't  throw things down the sink.

What are the most common plumbing problems and how do you fix them?

8 Most Common Plumbing Problems

• Dripping Faucets. Dripping faucets are annoying, wasteful, and costly. 
• Leaky Pipes. Leaky pipes can be caused by all sorts of problems, including: 
• Running Toilets. 
• Low Water Pressure. 
• Leaking Hose Bibb. 
• Slow or Clogged Drains. 
• Sump Pump Failure. 
• Water Heater Problems.

5 Ways to Prevent Plumbing Problems

• Be Careful with DIY Plumbing Cleaners. In the last decade or so, research has shown that common plumbing cleaners can damage your pipes. 
• Don't Flush Any Flushable Wipes. 
• Never Pour Grease Down the Drain. 
• Fix Minor Plumbing Problems ASAP. 
• Keep Drains Clear.

What causes plumbing issues?

Throwing Food Waste in the Drain

But food waste often causes problems in your plumbing system. Even if you have a garbage disposal, large pieces of food can damage it and your pipes, and they may collect and clog. Certain foods, like coffee grounds, tea leaves and fibrous foods don't break down well in the disposal. water heater replacement emergency plumber plumbing service

Here are seven things you can do to prevent a water heater from leaking, flooding, or bursting.

1. Drain and Flush the Tank. 
2. Inspect the Anode Rod. 
3. Test the T&P Valve. 
4. Adjust the Temperature Setting. 
5. Protect the Flooring. 
6. Conduct a Yearly Inspection. 
7. Replace After 10 to 12 Years.

Here are a few signs to watch out for:

• Your water heater is more than 10 years old.
• Your water heater makes banging, clanking, or rumbling noises as it heats, indicating that sediment has built up inside the tank.
• There is visible rust on the exterior portion of the water heater.
• There is rusty water coming out of the water heater, indicating that there may be rust or corrosion on the inside.
• The water heater is leaking, which indicates a crack in the tank or a malfunctioning temperature and pressure relief valve.

Plumbing Maintenance 7 Tips to Try

Plumbing maintenance is always a good idea because water damage is one of the worst possible things a homeowner can experience. Therefore, if you discover any potential sources for water damage that you can fix before it becomes a serious issue, you should do so immediately.

On that note, here are seven plumbing maintenance tips to help you get ahead of the curve before a true plumbing emergency occurs.

Check Your Water Heater

Make sure your water heater temperature is set to 120 degrees. If you set it any higher than that, you could not only burn yourself, but you can also reduce the overall lifespan of your water heater by making it use more energy than it needs to get the job done.

While you’re at it, check around your heater for puddles or other signs there might be a problem, such as rust or soot. And, while this is something no homeowner wants to hear, if your water heater is older than 10 years old, it may be a good time to start shopping for a new one before it breaks down entirely.

Check Your Sump Pump

In the spring, many homeowners experience a flood as the snow melts, which isn’t helped at all by heavy April rains. You can check to make sure your sump pump is working properly by activating the switch yourself by pouring water into the pit. Throw in a vinegar mixture to kill any mold or mildew, and make sure the line is free of leaves and debris.

Check Your Faucets

Make sure all your outdoor faucets and hose bibs are allowing water to flow freely. If you notice any drips outside or leakage inside from an outdoor hose, you may have a pipe that froze over and cracked. Get that checked out immediately.

Check Your Water Pressure

Check to make sure your water pressure isn’t too low, as this may be a sign of a leak. And when it comes to plumbing, it’s often the leaks that you don’t see that can be the most catastrophic.

Check Your Toilet

If you’ve been having some difficulty with your toilet flushing lately, you may be able to find some rather inexpensive relief. For instance, if you need to jiggle or hold the handle down for it to flush all the way, you probably have some worn-out tank parts that need replacing. Not only are these not too expensive to fix but swapping them out should reduce your total water bill.

Check Your Appliances

Check the hoses on your appliances like your dishwasher or washing machine for signs of any bulges or leaks. If you notice any, or if the hoses are older than 10 years old, replace them with stainless steel hoses. Stainless steel hoses last longer and are less vulnerable to bursts.

Check Your Gutters

A classic spring plumbing maintenance tip: don’t forget to check your gutters! Clean them out, then snake them out with a plumber’s auger to ensure they’re fully clear before storm season starts. This will prevent both leaks within your home and overall water damage.