Damage to your home plumbing system can often lead to unexpected repairs and/or inconveniences. Often, these unfortunate circumstances could have been avoided if the homeowner had just practiced some good plumbing sense. The information below will explain 1. What you can do to maintain your plumbing system and 2. Practices you should avoid (as they could lead to a plumbing contractor visit):
Ignoring the Signs
When there is trouble brewing within your home plumbing, there are often telltale signs of the pending failure. This is especially true when it comes to your sewer lines. Slow draining sinks and toilets that frequently clog are an indication of a pending blockage somewhere within your sewer line. Ignoring the symptoms will only allow the problem to grow worse over time. This can lead not only to additional damage in your plumbing system, but also major impairment to your home should the sewer lines backup and overflow.
Using Harsh Chemicals
Most homeowners have resorted to store bought chemicals that promise to clear away plumbing blockages. Although they are sometimes effective for clearing minor blockages, the corrosive chemicals present in the solutions can damage your pipes and can even cause bodily harm. Homeowners that own a house connected to a septic tank system would be wise to avoid using harsh chemicals as they can kill off or upset the natural balance of microorganisms crucial to the system.
Flushing No-no's
A toilet is an ingenious device designed to rid our homes of organic waste. It was never intended to double as a garbage disposal. Flushing anything other than organic waste and bathroom tissue could damage the toilet, the sewer lines and septic tank systems. Feminine products, cosmetics, diapers, cigarette butts, paper towels and floor sweepings are harmful to your sewer lines and can lead to blockages.
Not Insulating
Many homes have exterior plumbing pipes subjected to outside weather conditions. Exterior plumbing pipes should always be insulated to prevent freezing. A frozen pipe can rupture, burst or leak causing untold damage to your home.
Failure to Drain Outdoor Plumbing and Fixtures
Exterior irrigation, fountains and their related pumps can freeze during the harsh winter months. Damage could include broken pipes, cracked foundations and shattered pump housings. These systems should be drained, insulated and protected before the onset of winter to avoid damage and repair costs come spring.
Protecting your home plumbing system is a sound investment that should never be ignored. For answers to your questions, contact The Pink Plumber today.
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