A leaking water heater or clogged toilet can bring your home to a standstill and your family to its knees. With so many of us at home due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we may be pushing the limits of our home plumbing systems. In this month’s blog, the home comfort specialists at Main Stream Mechanical discuss nine ways to avoid a plumbing problem.
Protect your Plumbing System
While plumbing systems break down over time from normal wear and tear, many plumbing disasters can be prevented. Here are nine things you can do:
1. Keep harmful chemicals out of your septic tank.
Drain cleaner, bleach, paint, and other corrosive chemicals can ruin your plumbing AND septic system by causing damage to the tank and harming the microorganisms that eliminate the waste.
2. Stay away from liquid drain cleaners.
The harsh chemical ingredients in liquid drain cleaners are dangerous and can damage your system. These cleaners are not proven effective and may exacerbate your problem. Call a licensed plumber instead.
3. Know these garbage disposal don’ts.
Your garbage disposal was designed to process certain foods. Don’t allow trash, bones, large peels, chunky leftovers, paint, or chemicals to go down your drain. They can cause clogs and other damage to your plumbing system.
4. Don’t trash your toilet.
Likewise, keep trash and anything other than human waste or bathroom tissue out of your toilet to avoid plumbing issues.
5. Forget about toilet bowl fresheners.
Toilet fresheners contain harsh chemicals that can damage the working parts of your toilet. Any large piece that breaks off can get caught in the flush valve and prevent the toilet from flushing properly.
6. Don’t let grease plug up your pipes.
NEVER dump cooking grease down your pipes. When it cools, it forms a solid mass in the pipe that can narrow the pipeway, collect debris, and lead to drain clogs.
7. Replace worn hoses.
Over time, your appliances hoses are going to wear down. To avoid leaks, replace your washing machine or dishwasher hoses about every 5 years.
8. Watch out for your water heater.
Like any major home system, water heaters are not built to last forever. Older heaters are at risk of leaking water and damaging your home. If your water heater is showing signs that it’s failing or your system needs routine maintenance, call your home comfort specialist.
9. Hire a pro.
Attempting to fix a plumbing problem yourself can have serious consequences. Hire a professional plumber, who has the training and experience to diagnose and troubleshoot plumbing problems.
Residential Plumbing Installation and Repair
If you have concerns about your plumbing system, or are in need of repairs, call our home comfort specialists today at (978) 834-0849. We’re ready to help.
Plumbing Service in NH and MA
Your plumbing system is essential to the function and harmony of your home. Fortunately, many plumbing issues are preventable. By being proactive, and follow routine maintenance guidelines your system will continue to work in proper order. If you have concerns about your plumbing systems, please contact us; our home comfort specialists are always ready to help.
Powered by Sprout