It is easy to ignore the water system in our homes until something breaks and we need to call a professional. You would be surprised to learn how many service calls could be avoided by performing simple maintenance and using devices properly. There is a laundry list of avoidable problems that professionals can not believe they have to deal with on a daily basis. Here are seven things your Colorado plumber wishes you knew.
Water Heaters Should Not Be Ignored
Since they are usually well hidden in a closet or under the floor, water heaters are often forgotten about until they act up. Just because they are tucked away doesn’t mean that they are not a key component to your home’s overall function, however. Simple things that you can do to prevent issues start with flushing the water tank annually.
Knowing Where Your Shut-off Valve Is Located
When water begins to leak or pour for that matter, it is important to know where the main shut-off valve is. Most homes are equipped with multiple shut-off points that allow you to isolate a trouble section while still providing water to the rest of your home. Knowing ahead of time prevents a bigger mess when a problem occurs.
Chemicals Are Not Always The Best Solution
Many chemicals designed to unclog drains or keep a water system clean can damage components in your water system. These industrial strength cleaners, degreasers, and root killers can also eat away at your pipes as well as the joints that connect them. They can also eat away or warp washers and seals in sinks and at the base of toilets.
Watch What You Put Into Your Garbage Disposal
These devices are designed to handle small amounts of scraps, and even then, things like celery and potato peels can cause issues. They are not made to grind up all of the week’s leftovers you are throwing away. To avoid clogs and damaged motors, make sure to rinse off plates, silverware, and cookware before dumping their contents down the drain.
Water Around The Base Of Toilets Should Not Be Ignored
While small amounts of water near the edge of the toilet base may not seem like a big problem, it is often a sign that the wax ring that connects the toilet to the pipe has failed and needs to be replaced. More water is probably leaking under the floor and down the pipes.
Do Not Dump Grease Down The Drain
One of the major causes of serious clogs is the result of a homeowner dumping cooking oils and grease from meats down their drains. It will build up in the interior walls of pipes as time goes on. Alternative dumping methods include pouring these things into containers and putting them into the freezer until trash day.
Be Proactive
Ignoring a plumbing problem will never solve it, and often times, the problem will become worse. It is less costly to fix a small issue than it is to do major repairs that result from waiting. Also, educating yourself (including reading simple tips like these) can go a long way in preventing issues. Knowing what to do and what not to do is vital for home ownership.