How to Protect Your Plumbing this Summer
Plumbing emergencies are nearly unavoidable, and even with the best care, they're likely to occur at the most inopportune time. While many homeowners believe plumbing disasters occur more frequently due to the cold weather, it's the opposite. The warmer season means increased water usage, which can bring along big and small plumbing issues, and without proper monitoring, these plumbing issues can become a big disaster.
In this article, plumbing experts share tips with homeowners on easy ways they can prevent plumbing disasters this summer.
Check for Leaks and Cracks
Homeowners need to know that leaky pipes need to be repaired as soon as possible. When a pipe continues to leak, it can cause significant damage to the home. Yet, one can overlook a leaky pipe if it's in an inaccessible place.
While they might be hard to spot, there are still some signals homeowners can look for to avoid severe damage, including:
- Dripping sounds
- Moisture on the wall or ground
- Clog pipes or drains
- Unexplained odor
- Eye-Widening Water Bill
- Floor stains
- Cracks in the home's floor
- Watermarks
- Visible rusting
- White lime deposits
It's important to catch these plumbing issues before they cause major harm to the home. One should contact a plumber immediately if a leak, crack, or other issues are discovered.
Don't Throw Grease Down the Drain
Summer is best for fresh fruit cookouts, grilling outside, and sharing meals with family and friends! That also means there will be plenty of leftovers.
Washing these utensils can be a hassle, especially with stains, grease, and cooking oil. The most common thing homeowners do is dump them all into the sink and wash them off. Some decide to leave it in the sink for a few hours before going back to do the washing. This allows the grease and oil to slide down the pan into the drain.
Grease is liquid when it's hot. It can cause a highly stubborn pipe clog when it hardens in the pipes, preventing the main drain from running properly.
The best way to prevent having the pipe or drain damaged is to put the grease and oil in a disposable container. Also, even if a garbage disposal is available, scrape food into the trash before washing dishes.
Keep Up with Routine Drain Cleaning
Different grease and food particles get washed down the drain when washing dishes. When taking a shower, soap, hair, and dirt make their way through the home's plumbing system. If these drains are not regularly cleaned, the buildup can wreak havoc on the home's sewage pipes and lines. Every homeowner regularly flush must drain to clear them of debris and minimize future problems and damages.
In addition to regular flushing, cleaning the drains helps remove debris or anything stuck in the pipes. DO NOT use chemicals to clean the drains. These chemicals can eat away the pipes every time they are used and will cause harm to the homeowner or plumber who will clean the drain manually.
Instead of using chemicals, homeowners can use baking soda, vinegar, and water to prevent damage better. To loosen the clog, one should pour the baking soda and vinegar mixed in boiling water into the drain. Also, an auger or handheld drain snake is another great option that one can use to clean the drain.
About All Clear Plumbing
All Clear Plumbing is an A+ drain cleaning and plumbing service provider. They are the company homeowners turn to when they need fast and reliable drain cleaning and plumbing services. Call them today for plumbing and drain cleaning services in Belleville, NJ.
