Most plumbing repairs are best left to an experienced, licensed plumber. But did you know you can prevent many plumbing problems with a few simple tricks? Keep your pipes flowing smoothly with these 10 plumbing tips every homeowner should know.
- Don’t ignore leaks. That steady drip, drip, drip is the sound of money going down the drain. Fix your leaky faucets right away to put cash back in your pocket.
- Place strainers over your drains. The best plumbing tips and tricks stop problems before they start. That’s what placing a mesh strainer in your sinks and shower drains aims to do by catching hair, bits of soap, and other debris before it clogs the drain.
- Learn how to deal with clogs. Whatever you do, don’t reach for chemical drain cleaners. A plunger or drain auger is safer and more effective at clearing clogs.
- Invest in the right plungers. Keep a flange plunger on hand for clogged toilets and a classic cup plunger nearby in case the sink backs up.
- Protect your pipes from the cold. Sub-freezing temperatures can cause your plumbing to freeze and burst. To prevent frozen pipes, set your thermostat to 60 degrees or higher at all times and insulate exposed pipes in unconditioned spaces.
- Know how to shut off the water. If you have a plumbing emergency, such as a burst pipe, knowing where the main water valve is located and how to turn it can prevent property damage.
- Keep tabs on your water pressure. If you struggle with low water pressure, you may be able to increase it with a water pressure booster. And if the pressure is too high, you can reduce damage to your pipes and fixtures with a pressure-reducing valve.
- Watch what you flush. Your plumbing is only designed to handle human waste and toilet paper. Anything else—even “flushable” wipes—can get caught in your pipes and cause clogs.
- Take care of your garbage disposal. Make a note to only put small food scraps down the kitchen sink, not animal bones, fruit pits, fibrous corn husks, or non-food items. Be especially wary of cooking grease and oil, which will solidify into a gelatinous glob somewhere down the line.
- Know when your water heater is on its last leg. If your water heater is over a decade old, it’s time to consider a replacement. Other signs of imminent failure include knocking noises, rust-colored hot water, loss of hot water volume, and rising water heating bills.
Even by following all of these essential plumbing tips, you may still need help from a plumber every now and then. That’s where Puget Sound Plumbing and Heating comes in. We have over 20 years of experience delivering unbeatable service and exceeding our customers’ expectations. We even offer 24/7 emergency plumbing, so you can count on us day or night. Call us at (206) 938-3219 or contact us online to request the plumbing services you need today.