Plumbing problems are issues not all homeowners can avoid. Considering the frequency that your plumbing is in use, coupled with the different risks posed to its functionality, there is always the chance that a problem will crop up and jeopardise how the system operates. Nonetheless, plumbing problems do not have to be the bane of your existence.
As long as you catch these problems early, you have a good chance of restoring your plumbing system to optimum. Moreover, knowing what you should not do to your plumbing will also help in keeping it in working condition for the long term. Below are a few handy tips for protecting yourself from costly emergency plumbing repairs.
Keep grease away from your kitchen sink
One of the most common places that clogs are bound to occur is your kitchen sink. This is not by accident -- your kitchen sink is exposed to much more debris than other sinks around the home. While food particles should not be allowed to make their way down the sink, you should pay keen attention to grease as well.
Any fat and oils that are poured into the drain will coagulate and form blockages inside your plumbing hardware. As a result, you will find yourself taking your plunger to your sink on a regular basis. If you are already experiencing this problem, have an emergency plumber come clean your blocked drains for you and keep all fats away from the sink.
Never hang items on exposed plumbing hardware
Exposed pipes typically tend to be in the basement of most houses. If you have not remodelled your basement to create a living are, chances are you utilise this space as a storage room. While there is nothing wrong with keeping unused items in this space, you should avoid the urge to hand items from these exposed pipes. It is not uncommon to find some homeowners hanging wet clothes, shoes and so on under the impression that they will dry faster.
What these homeowners are not taking into consideration is that the pipes are not designed to withstand the additional weight that is being imposed on them. Not only will the wetness increase the risk of corrosion if you have iron pipes, but the additional pressure can pose the threat of your pipes breaking. Thus, you could develop a burst pipe, which will not only translate into expensive emergency plumbing repairs, but your basement will also be exposed to water damage.
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