Plumbing issues are no joke. They can be a major headache, but luckily there are some things you can do to avoid them. Here are 10 plumbing tips that will help you keep your pipes in tip-top shape and save you money on expensive repairs.
- Be mindful of what you flush down the toilet. Many so-called flushables are not really flushable. Wipes and kitty litter can cause clogs.
- Inspect your faucets and fixtures for leaks on a regular basis. Leaks increase your water bill. If looking to repair a faucet, know that repairs can cost more than a new faucet. Things are no longer made to last a lifetime and some faucets are purposely designed to not be repaired.
- Keep an eye out for hidden leaks. Check under flooring if possible, inside cabinets, and behind cabinetry where pipes may be concealed from view by insulation, drywall, and wallpaper. Look for small puddles. Concealed leaks can lead to mold growth and costly damage down the line, so it is always best to catch leaks when they are small.
- Use strainers in your sinks and tubs to catch hair and other debris before it goes down the drain. These will help keep your drains clear and free of blockages.
- If you have a garbage disposal, run plenty of water down the drain after turning it off. This ensures the food particles clear the drains and won’t dry in your pipes and cause clogs.
- Clean out the filter in your dishwasher so it can trap more food particles. Cleaning it also prevents odors. Find your dishwasher manual to locate the filter.
- Never pour grease or oil down your drain. Grease and oil are common causes of clogged pipes and backups in home plumbing systems. You can safely dispose of oils and grease by putting them in your regular trash.
- When doing dishes, use the hottest water you can stand. Hot water helps the small amounts of oil and grease clinging to the sides of your dishes to flow through your pipes and not build up. Hot soapy water also kills bacteria.
- Remove your hose from the hose bibb when freezing temperatures are predicted. Even frost-free hose bibbs need to be disconnected from the hose.
- Clear leaves and debris away from all outside drains. Water needs to flow. Let the water go on its way and protect your home from water damage.
We hope this list proves helpful to you and saves you from a costly plumbing issue in the future. However, if you do find yourself in need of an experienced plumbing company, call Raymark Plumbing & Sewer at 206-440-9077.
Raymark Plumbing & Sewer is a full-service residential plumbing and sewer company. Raymark is located in Seattle, WA, and has been a family-owned business for over 42 years. Raymark offers expert technicians, upfront pricing, a 100 percent workmanship guarantee, and 24-hour emergency services. In fact, they are known for finding solutions to problems when other plumbing companies could not. As a result, Raymark is the plumber that other plumbers recommend.
Raymark Plumbing & Sewer
10710 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125
(206) 440-9077
Raymark Plumbing and Sewer 