Plumbing issues significantly threaten your home’s structure and the planet’s environment. The United States wastes over one trillion gallons of water annually from plumbing issues like leaky and clogged pipes. Discovering that you have a plumbing clog is frustrating as a homeowner, especially if funds are tight and you want to avoid hiring a plumber to fix your issues.
The best way to keep your home’s plumbing system strong is to prevent clogged drains and pipes. A clear drain system allows water to flow seamlessly without leaks or clogs that could cause flooding in your home.
Fortunately, you’ve discovered the perfect guide to learning nine helpful tips to prevent clogged pipes in your home’s plumbing system. Continue reading to keep your water flowing and your home protected today!
-
Start a Maintenance Schedule
A maintenance schedule is an excellent way to build reminders to check your home’s plumbing for problems that could become disasters. Putting reminders on the calendar on the refrigerator is a perfect solution to remind yourself about inspecting your home’s plumbing.
If you need to remember things, consider downloading an app on your phone to remind you about your home’s maintenance needs. Part of your maintenance schedule should include having a professional inspect your pipes. A newer plumbing system should be checked every two years to prevent future issues.
-
Check for Leaks
Leaks are a significant sign that you have plumbing problems on your hands. Small leaks might not seem like a big deal, but they cost you money when you pay the light bill. You also waste a finite resource when you don’t address your plumbing clog.
The longer your home’s leaks go undetected, the more destructive they are. You could face tens of thousands of dollars in water damage if you fail to address leaks promptly.
It’s wise to check any exposed pipes in your home every week. Appliances, sinks, and toilets are all accessible spots to check if you’re worried about developing a leak or clogged pipes.
-
Keep Drains Clear
The things you’re putting down the drains will also impact future plumbing issues requiring hiring a plumber. You should install strainers on all drains to keep hair and debris from going down the drain and clogging your plumbing. Keeping items from going down the drain is half the battle of preventing clogged pipes.
You should also include pouring vinegar and baking soda mixture down the drains into your weekly maintenance routine. This step is the perfect way to eliminate any food waste or hair that could cause a plumbing clog. It’s also an intelligent decision to find these plumbing services here for your household plumbing needs.
-
Watch What You Flush
Flushing the wrong items down toilets is another way to cause severe plumbing issues in your home. Limit what you’re flushing to human waste and toilet paper to keep your plumbing clear. Clogged pipes could result in a toilet backing up when you flush it.
Items like hair, food, waste products, and grease should never go down your toilet when flushing. Avoid costly repairs by using proper plumbing maintenance to keep your system clear. The wrong items will become solid masses that don’t allow anything to pass.
-
Monitor Faucets
Faucets and showerheads face similar issues to drains in plumbing maintenance. The minerals in your house’s water cause sediment to build on the faucets, preventing water from flowing and causing clogged pipes. Mixing vinegar and baking soda should do the trick to avoid clogged pipes and faucets.
Check your faucets and showerheads each time you use them to check for leaks. You should also check under sinks while the water runs to determine if pipes are clogged or leaking.
-
Clean Your Water Heater
Most homes have traditional water heaters with holding tanks. You should remain diligent with your water heater cleaning schedule to prevent a plumbing clog in your home. Many water heaters with holding tanks contain sediment that will get in your home’s pipes and clog them.
This issue isn’t relevant if your home uses a tankless water heater for its hot water needs. Still, you’ll need to perform maintenance on a tankless water heater to keep your home’s plumbing clear. Get your tankless heater’s coils cleaned every two years for the best results.
-
Monitor Water Pressure
Your home’s water pressure indicates that you face clogged pipes and require professional help to fix them. Your pipes should be between 40 and 60 pounds per square inch. Water pressure over 80 pounds could cause leaks and result from backed-up or clogged pipes in your home.
Consider hiring a plumber to install a pressure regulation gauge on the main pipes to bring water into and out of your home. You’ll have a much simpler task determining if you face water pressure issues and a potential clog.
-
Maintain Septic System
Septic systems are notorious for clogged pipes, especially when the holding tank reaches total capacity. Your pipes will get clogged with your septic system if you flush things besides toilet paper and human waste.
You could face similar issues when connected to municipal sewer lines. Hiring a plumber to snake the lines is the best way to prevent clogs in your plumbing.
-
Be Wise with Fats and Oils
Many homeowners make mistakes when cooking with fats and oils and disposing of them down the kitchen sink’s drain. It’s not a safe disposal method, especially when these cooking oils have cooled off. When pouring these liquids down your drain, you ask for plumbing issues and a clogged drain.
Avoid a Plumbing Clog in Your Home
A plumbing clog is a simple issue that results in severe problems, and you should learn how to avoid these issues if you don’t have the money to continue hiring a plumber for help. Make intelligent choices with what you’re flushing or putting down your home’s drains. Check your water pressure and find a plumber to handle annual inspections for clogged pipes.
Are you ready to save money and protect your home from damage? Read more of our lifestyle and home blog content for helpful tips and exciting insights to add value to your house!