The average American household spends $500-$1,000 annually on plumbing bills. It can be hard to keep up with all this information and know what steps to take to save time and money. Luckily for you, we’ve got ten tips and tricks every plumber cedar hill TX knows that will help you stay ahead of the game.
1. Learn How to Deal With Clogged Drains
Learn how to prevent clogs. You don’t want to waste water or money on a clogged drain that needs to be fixed by a professional, so prevention is essential. Learn about the three main types of drains and what to do if one becomes clogged or stops draining properly.
Flushing baby wipes, cleaning wipes, or any other non-flushable product down the toilet is not recommended. Pads, tampons, and wipes are all included. These items do not dissolve as easily as toilet paper and can cause major clogs in your plumbing system over time.
2. Check Your Faucets and Pipes for Leaks
Water and money are wasted as a result of leaks. If you live in an apartment building or a home with a basement, depending on the size of your leak, it can even cause damage to surrounding walls or floors. Not only that, but most people are unaware of minor leaks until they cost hundreds of dollars more than necessary.
Examine all faucets and pipes for drips, puddles on the ground, or discoloration of surrounding surfaces to look for plumbing leaks. You can also use a white paper towel to see if water is coming out from under your sink—place it over the drain while no one else in your house is using water (this usually means waiting at least an hour) and then check after the water has been turned off. If there is any wetness on your paper towel, it indicates that there is a leak.
3. Keep Tabs on Water Pressure
If you have low water pressure, it could indicate that there is a problem with your plumbing. It could be a simple fix, or it could necessitate the services of a professional; in either case, you want to address the issue as soon as possible to avoid wasting water and money.
You can test your water pressure by turning on all of the faucets in your home at the same time. If you have low water pressure, it is usually due to leaks or other issues with your plumbing system that must be addressed as soon as possible.
4. Learn How to Keep up on Maintenance
Even if everything seems fine now, plumber cedar hill tx recommends getting routine checkups on your plumbing system. You don’t want to get hit with a big bill related to clogged drains, burst pipes, or other significant problems that might crop up if you neglect scheduling standard maintenance check-ins.
Schedule routine inspections at least every six months (every three months is optimal) so you can stay ahead of the game and avoid major plumbing emergencies that require you to pay a lot of money and waste hours of your time.
5. Take Care of Your Toilet
Toilets are one of the most frequently used pieces of plumbing in any home, and they frequently need the most attention. Keep your toilet in good working order by flushing only human waste and toilet paper down it. Put everything else in the trash.
If you are unfamiliar with plumbing, doing DIY plumbing work yourself will only lead to more problems down the road. Hiring a professional is the best way to avoid problems in your home caused by faulty plumbing or improperly installed fixtures and appliances.
6. Don’t Abuse Your Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal is not a trash can. You should only be putting small things down that can easily fit through the hole at the bottom- like food waste, eggshells, coffee grounds, etc.
If you put bigger items or too many items down your disposal at once, it will cause it to overheat and stop working. This doesn’t mean that your garbage disposal won’t be able to handle the smaller stuff, but it’s best to avoid putting anything down there except for small bits of food waste or other items like hair and skin (after they’ve been through a strainer).
7. Don’t Put Hot Grease in the Sink
Grease traps are designed to catch grease and oils before they enter your drainage system. If you put hot grease down the sink, it will cause the traps to become clogged and eventually overflow.
The best way to dispose of hot grease is to let it cool off completely and place it in a sealable container like a plastic bag or Tupperware. This will allow you to toss it in the trash just like normal.
8. Clean Out Your Gutters
When leaves and other debris build up in the gutter, they restrict water flow. If water can’t pass through as easily into the drain system below, then it will start pooling on top of your roof- which could lead to leaks or even a collapsed roof.
You can do this by using a broom or leaf blower to clean the gutters out when you notice them overflowing. Use ladders safely and securely when cleaning out your gutters, as it can be a dangerous job. And always use caution when walking on wet or icy roofs.
9. Protect Pipes From the Cold
If you’re going to be leaving your home for an extended period in the winter, it’s crucial to take measures to protect your pipes from the cold. One way to do this is by opening up cabinet doors under sinks and letting warm air circulate the pipes.
Another way to protect your pipes from the cold is by disconnecting them from the water supply and draining them thoroughly. This shouldn’t be done often, but it’s an excellent option to consider if you know that your home will be cold for an extended period.
10. Take Care When Using Harsh Chemicals
When cleaning out your drains, it’s best not to use harsh chemicals like bleach or drain cleaner. These chemicals can corrode the metal in your pipes and cause them to leak.
There are many eco-friendly options that you can use to clean out your drains. They won’t corrode the metal in your pipes, and they’re less harsh on the environment as well.
It’s best not to pour anything down your drain unless you know exactly what it is, how it affects certain types of plumbing (like PVC or ABS), and whether or not it’s safe to use.
Plumber Cedar Hill, TX
To learn more about plumbing and how to prevent clogs, leaks, and other problems, be sure to check out Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling, and Heating. There you can find various guides that will help you keep your home’s plumbing in top condition. You can also call us today at 972-291-0740 for advice or to schedule a service appointment. We’re here to help!