Useful Plumbing Tips for Your Home

• Don’t Flush Anything Other Than Toilet Paper Down The Toilet

The only three things you can safely flush down the toilet—pee, poop, and toilet paper. Nothing else. Avoid flushing things like wipes, feminine hygiene products, and even flushable wipes, which can clog pipes.

• Inspect Your Pipes Regularly

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to your home’s plumbing. You should schedule regular pipe inspections with a trusted plumbing service. Early detection of leaks, corrosion, or blockages allows for prompt repairs. If you notice signs of corrosion, water leaks, or clogged drains, call a professional plumber to perform an inspection and make the necessary repairs.

• Install A Whole Home Water Softener

Do you notice a filmy residue on dishes, glassware, and your skin after washing? Do you find yourself using more soap or shampoo to get a lather? These are signs of hard water, and it can damage pipes, appliances, and fixtures. A water softener can improve the quality of your drinking water and help protect your plumbing fixtures from mineral buildup. Call a nearby plumber to help you install a water filter and water softener in your home.

• Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is Located

This is one of the things many of us take for granted until we find ourselves in a plumbing emergency situation. Knowing where your main water shutoff valve is located will help you turn off the water quickly in the event of a pipe burst, as you wait for an emergency plumber. We also advise you to periodically turn the valve on and off to ensure it functions smoothly and avoid getting stuck when needed.

• Schedule Annual Water Heater Inspection & Maintenance

Water heaters are typically located in basements, garages, or crawlspaces, making them easy to forget about. To avoid breakdowns, we recommend you schedule an annual inspection with a professional plumbing service. This includes flushing the tank to remove sediment, checking the pressure relief valve, and inspecting for leaks.

• Use Drain Strainers

Using a drain strainer is an easy way to prevent clogs in your plumbing system. These strainers catch food scraps, hair, and other debris that can build up and cause clogs. It’s also advisable to flush your drains with boiling water on a regular basis to prevent scum buildup.

• Protect Your Pipes From The Cold

The cold weather can be brutal to your plumbing if you don’t take precautionary measures. You don’t want to return from vacation to a burst water pipe in your kitchen or bathroom. If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, make sure to insulate your exposed pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting.

• Don’t Tighten Plumbing Fittings Too Much

One of the mistakes DIYers make when fixing simple plumbing problems in their homes is over-tightening fittings. When tackling minor plumbing issues yourself, be careful not to overtighten fittings, as it can damage them and lead to leaks. If you’re not sure about how to handle certain plumbing repairs, call a nearby plumbing repair service for help.

Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing today for help with all of your plumbing needs.