Having water readily available in our homes is often taken for granted. But common warning signs for plumbing problems should never be put on the back burner. If the issue isn't taken care of right away, you could have a huge repair bill — not to mention a sopping mess — on your hands.
Some of the warning signs for plumbing problems include:
- A backed up kitchen sink. Beware of putting grease, oils, and other fats down the drain. They can create a mess in your pipes and clog the drain. Use sink strainers to catch large chunks and random stuff that would otherwise be clogging your drainpipes. About once a month, pour some boiling water down the sink to help clear up some of the gunk that has accumulated. Stay away from chemical drain cleaners; they can sometimes do more damage than good.
- Not knowing where your main shutoff valve is located. If any kind of problem or flooding occurs, the most important thing you can do is to shut off your main water valve. While your home has all kinds of pipes and valves, this valve will cut off the flow of ALL water to your home. It's usually located on the ground level near the street. Make sure all members of your household know where it's located.
- Old or worn washing machine hoses. One of the sources of the biggest potential problems is the washing machine. Failure of hoses accounts for more than half of washing machine claims, according to the Insurance Institute for Home and Business Safety. And those failures mean an average of $5,000 per claim. All it takes is a rubber connection hose that is old and worn out to burst. Once that happens, you'll have some major flooding on your hands. Check your hoses every so often and once they need replacing, use steel hoses.
- An aging water heater. A water heater will typically last you a good 10-12 years. But once you notice any sign of abnormality, don't ignore it. If it leaks or ruptures, you'll have a huge flood. If you see any rust or leaking, you should call a professional.
- Septic tank issues. If water pools on the lawn, foul odors are in the air, or drains are running slowly, you could be in need of septic tank pumping. Septic tanks should be pumped every three years but more frequently if you have a large household.
For answers to your questions about any of your plumbing problems, contact the Pink Plumber today.
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