Plumbing emergencies can range from minor annoyances to major disasters with various home appliances and fixtures. They can be costly to fix, and they can also cause significant damage to your property. While it isn’t always possible to completely avoid all plumbing issues, you can avoid most major plumbing emergencies with proper care and maintenance. We’ve pulled together some tips to help you avoid major plumbing emergencies and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.
Watch what you flush
Flushing anything other than toilet paper and bodily waste can cause major plumbing issues. Items such as paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and wipes (even the “flushable” kind) can clog your pipes and cause backups. Avoid flushing these items and dispose of these items in the trash instead to avoid major plumbing emergencies.
Keep your drains clear
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing emergencies, and they can be easily prevented by regularly cleaning your drain covers and keeping your pipes free of hair and other debris. If you have littles like we do, you may also need to watch for legos that accidentally made their way down the drain or a favorite action figure that just wanted to save the day.
One DIY tip we recommend for clogged drains is to always keep a plunger in your kitchen and bathroom. You can use the plunger to dislodge a clog. Another handy tool is a plumbing auger or drain snake. This is an inexpensive tool that can be found at any local hardwood store. It helps you to dislodge a clog by snagging items and bringing it out of the drain. If you can see an object that is causing the drain clog but don’t have this tool, you can try to create a home-made auger by bending a hanger. Be careful though not to scratch your toilet or sink with the metal wire of the hanger.
Know where the main shutoff valve is
Do you know where your main shut-off valve is? In the event of a leak, the first course of action is to prevent further damage by shutting off the water to your home. Ensure that you and each person who lives in the home knows where the main shut-off valve is and how to use it.
If you’d like some additional protection, there are smart-home products that can help avoid major plumbing emergencies. Products like smart water detectors, smart water monitors, and smart water shut off valves can alert homeowners to water leaks and can even turn off your water supply to prevent further damage to your home.
Install a sump pump
If you’re among the millions of homeowners who have a basement, you may have already experienced the aftermath of water damage. Water can wreak havoc on basements. If your home is susceptible to basement flooding, consider installing a sump pump to remove water before it causes damage. Sump pumps are electric pumps that are placed at the bottom of your basement, or lowest point in the home and can assist in keeping water at bay. As the water reaches a certain level, a float valve activates the pump and it flushes, similar to a toilet. These pumps are a better way to ensure the safety of your home, as well as an effective method of preventing severe damage to your valuables.
Maintain your plumbing system
Scheduling regular maintenance to maintain your plumbing systems can help prevent plumbing problems before they become emergencies. A plumber can inspect your plumbing, identify any potential issues, and make any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s recommended that you schedule maintenance at least once a year to keep your plumbing system in good condition.
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