Resolutions for Improving Your Plumbing System
Plumbing Techs in Timberwood Park, TX Discuss Ways to Care for Home Plumbing
Resolve To Give Your Home’s Plumbing More Care & Attention This Year
Of all the new year’s resolutions people make, most probably don’t have anything to do with plumbing. Even though the plumbing system is arguably a home’s most vital and indispensable system, it often goes underappreciated and overlooked – unless, of course, there’s a problem. Since most plumbing problems are entirely avoidable with a little forethought and basic upkeep, it’s never too early to take action. Here are a few virtually effortless things every homeowner can do to keep their plumbing in good shape.
Get the Drains Cleaned by a Professional
Every homeowner who’s experienced a flooding shower or smelly kitchen sink backlog wishes they’d had their drains cleaned more often. The majority of drain clogs are due to the gradual collection of waste solids in the drain pipes – primarily hair and dirt in bathroom drains; grease and food waste in the kitchen sink. Homeowners can reduce the risk by installing drain grates and disposing of grease in the trash, but some level of filth will inevitably still accumulate.
This is where a professional drain cleaning comes in. Plumbers typically use either an electric or hydro-mechanical drain cleaner to safely and thoroughly remove built-up materials from drain pipes. The former involves a long metal cable fed into the pipe and simultaneously rotated to scour the pipe wall and force any solids down into the wider sewer pipes.
The latter is essentially a pressure washer with a long, narrow hose that travels down into the drain pipes and clears them using only water. This method – known as hydro-jetting – effectively destroys blockages and gets rid of grimy residue on the pipe wall that can act as a glue for larger debris.
Regulate What Goes in the Toilet
Sink and shower drainage issues are no fun, but nothing is worse than a toilet overflow. Toilet clogs are almost always caused by the flushing of something that was not meant to be flushed. So what items are flushable, and what should be put in the trashcan?
The answer is simple: toilet tissue and bodily waste are flushable. Everything else is not. Other soft paper products like napkins, paper towels, and supposedly “toilet-friendly” baby wipes are often the cause of bad toilet clogs and should always be put in the garbage. Even facial tissue has been known to cause trouble in homes with septic systems, which are somewhat more prone to clogging.
Jewelry, grooming utensils, and small toys are notorious for causing clogs, so it’s always a good idea to keep the toilet lid closed when it’s not in use – and to make sure no tykes are using the seat as a tiny racetrack!
Be Alert for Signs of a Leak
Some plumbing leaks are impossible to miss, like when water comes flooding out from underneath the kitchen sink or a geyser suddenly erupts in the backyard. But most of the time, they’re not quite so dramatic. A small, slow leak might drip for weeks or months before anyone catches on, especially if it’s located in a hidden section of pipe.
If the water bill is higher than usual, but the family’s water usage habits haven’t changed, there may be a leak. Of course, this is only useful if the leak is in the water supply system – a leak in the drainage system is harder to spot. For both types of leaks, homeowners can listen for dripping and trickling noises behind walls and near fixtures such as toilets. Musty smells can also be a dead giveaway.
Mold spots, warped woodwork, and brownish-yellow stains on walls and ceilings often point to a water leak but could also be caused by a roof leak. Even a minor leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water and seriously damage the home, so any homeowners who find evidence of a leak – or even suspect one – would do well to call a professional for leak detection and repair.
About Primo Plumbing, Inc.
Primo Plumbing, Inc. has served Timberwood Park, TX, with pride for over 60 years. Their honest pricing, quality workmanship, and superior customer service have earned them countless awards and an A+ BBB rating. Primo offers financing, membership perks, and 24/7 emergency service. Call Primo Plumbing, Inc. for dependable plumbing services.
