Keeping your plumbing in good working order is one of the best things you can do for your home. Regular plumbing maintenance and routine cleaning can help prevent problems from escalating and becoming costly repairs down the line.
What to Avoid Put down Drains, Toilets and Sinks
The drains in your house all connect up to the sewer system. A slow-flowing or blocked drain could be a sign of a problem with the sewer line itself. This could be caused by tree roots in the pipes, structural issues or a buildup of debris.
If the drain is blocked, start by using a plunger to remove the clog. The plunger works by using air pressure to create suction. Alternatively, you can use a chemical drain cleaner to clear out the blockage.
Fix Leaky Faucets and Pipes
Even small leaks can waste a lot of water and eat up your water bill. So if your faucet is leaking, be sure to check it periodically for signs of a problem and take care of the issue before it worsens or becomes more expensive to fix.
Clean Your Drains Once a Month
If your drains aren’t cleaned regularly, they can become clogged quickly. A monthly cleaning with a natural, non-corrosive drain cleaner will remove hair, grease, grime and other gunk that can clog your pipes. You can also pour about 1/4 cup (60ml) of baking soda down your drains to help clean them.
Keep Your Sinks’ Pop-Up Stoppers Free of Debris and Hair
When washing dishes, people sometimes use a lot of soap to get the job done, which leaves a sticky residue in their drains. If this gets into the pipes, it can clog them up and cause the sink to not drain properly. Be sure to have adequate drain strainers in the kitchen and bathroom sinks to prevent this from happening.
Aside from food scraps, a common clog is cooking grease, which can get stuck in the drain and make it harder for water to flow out. This is particularly common in kitchen sinks, so be careful what you put down the drain.
Avoiding Clogged Drains and Toilets
A clogged drain is the most common problem that homeowners experience with their plumbing. Clogged drains can be difficult to deal with on your own, so it’s better to call a plumber in Wilmington for professional assistance.
How to Deal with Clogged Drains and Toilets
A plunger can often remove clogs, but you might need to purchase a plumbing snake if the clog is too large for a plunger. It’s important to clean your drains and toilets regularly to prevent clogs from forming.
Fix Recurring Problems Before They Become More Expensive
A common recurring plumbing problem that can be very expensive to fix is a backup in the sewer line. This is typically caused by a structural problem in the pipes or tree roots entering the sewer line. Instead of waiting for the next backup to occur, it’s a much cheaper solution to hire a professional to come out and scope out the line and repair it if necessary.
Why It’s Important to Work With a Licensed Plumber in Wilmington
