3 Ways to Get Ahead of Plumbing Disasters
Summer is a very busy time full of family events, camps, and vacations, and no one wants to take time to deal with a plumbing problem unless it is trying to find a faster method of filling up a pool. That’s why smart homeowners will do their best to prevent problems before they begin. This article will provide a few essential tips for plumbing peace of mind.
Evidence of Leaks
One of the first signs of plumbing problems is a small leak. Weakened and aging pipes can form cracks from water pressure, corrosion, or other general wear and tear. Rubber and silicone seals and washers may break down or tear, causing a slow leak around faucets or showerheads.
A homeowner should not ignore evidence of a pipe leak, no matter how small, because small leaks can quickly lead to more significant leaks. Listed below are a few of the signs that indicate a persistent leak:
- Mold or mildew
- Sounds of running water
- Dripping
- Soggy spots on the floor
- Water pooling outside where it shouldn’t be
Put Grease in the Trash, Not the Sink
One of the great things about the summer weather is grilling outside and spending time with family, friends, and neighbors. Food prep and disposal can be hard on a kitchen, though. A nasty clog can ruin an evening of summer fun. That’s why people should consider what they put down the drain.
Even the kitchen drain with top-of-the-line garbage disposal cannot accommodate all forms of food debris. Cooking oil and grease are perhaps the worst perpetrators of clogs because, in their liquid forms, they would seem to be easily disposed of by sending them down the drain pipes, but they cannot be dissolved by water as most things can. However, oils and fats can bind up other food and waste particles and create a hard, insoluble ball of a pipe clog that the water cannot break up. Homeowners and their guests should always dispose of grease by pouring it into a sealed container and then putting it in the trash.
Keep the Drains Clean
Another easy bit of pipe clog prevention maintenance is regularly flushing home drains. Just as other parts of the house need regular cleaning, drains can benefit from a bit of a clear-out. This does not have to be intensive, and several easy ways exist to perform this task. Below are two easy methods to use and one to avoid entirely.
- The Hot Water Flush: This method is done by boiling water and pouring it slowly down the drain. This can help remove anything water-soluble that may be stuck in the pipes.
- The Baking Soda/Vinegar Combo: Almost everyone did the grade school science experiment of the baking soda and vinegar volcano. This eruptive but harmless chemical reaction can help flush dirty pipes. The baking soda should be poured into the drain and followed by vinegar.
- NO Chemical Drain Openers: Those handy plastic bottles on the grocery store shelf may seem like a convenient choice for drain cleaning, but the chemicals are not selective about what they break down and can cause or worsen existing corrosion on the drain pipes.
About B&L Plumbing
Veteran-owned B&L Plumbing has served Colorado Springs, CO, for over two decades. Offering 24-hour emergency service and no after-hours charge, they can bring high-quality workmanship and individualized options for all their clients. Call today for peace of mind and quality plumbing service.
