Easy Plumbing Tips for Homeowners

Owning a home can be a dream come true but to take care of it especially the water system should be given much thought and effort on the part of the homeowner. Otherwise, you will end up with a broken water system and facing unnecessary costs. As most people would say, prevention is better than cure. So it is better to do your share of prevention now by following basic plumbing tips that will prevent you from having to face plumbing problems anytime soon.
When disposing hard to grind waste like chicken bones, carrots, banana peels etc, never dispose of it in the drain for this will certainly clog it.
Never pour fats or cooking oils down the kitchen drain for this will harden in the pipes and create clogs.
Make sure that all bathroom drains have strainers to prevent hair, soap and other debris to clog up the drain lines.
Regularly check if there are leaky faucets in the house. You can effectively find out during the night when it is quite. If you hear a dripping sound, it means there is a leak somewhere. A drip may be a simple thing but you would not believe how much water you are wasting every month if you don’t have this fix.
If you have a slow floor drain, you need to have it snaked to make sure that it can carry water fast in case of flooding.
Always be sure that rain gutters and downspouts are clean and free of debris and leaves.
Once there is a leaky pipe or damaged sewer, you will notice excess water in your backyard. It may contain waste from home and is unhealthy for children and pets. It is best to call a professional plumber to check on the problem immediately.
Cotton swabs, cotton balls, sanitary products, tissue papers, diapers and other similar items should never be flushed down the toilet. It will definitely cause clogs because these items do not dissolve easily.
You can check your toilet if there is a leak by putting drops of food coloring by the water tank. Once you see color coming out the toilet without you flushing it would mean there is a leak.
Exercise water valve by turning it on and off to prevent it from sticking.
Always make sure to check the temperature of the water heater. During summer time you can reduce energy use and set the temperature less than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Consider replacing water heater that is more than 15 years old as newer heaters are more energy efficient.
Avoid putting any flammable materials or chemicals near the water heater as it may lead to the onset of fires at home.
The list of basic plumbing tips for homeowners can go on and on. The most important thing to always remember when it comes to the plumbing system of every household is to be watchful to any little problems detected. Have a professional plumber check on it immediately and do not wait for the problem to worsen.