Tips To Avoid Plumbing Emergencies

The plumbing system of your home is comprised of a complex network of pipes. A plumbing system is such a system in your home that you rely on for most of your daily work. However, this can be the hardest thing to keep in shape and well maintained when you don’t know how to. It is a fact that most of us take our plumbing system for granted, as long as it is working normally. emergency plumber los angeles helps keep your plumbing system working smoothly for years to come and avoid plumbing emergencies.

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A plumbing issue is the last thing you would want when you are going about your day. Plumbing emergencies can be expensive, disastrous, and inconvenient. Here are some useful tips to avoid plumbing emergencies:

Steps To Avoid Plumbing Emergencies

1. Be Careful with your Kitchen Plumbing

Do not let rice, oatmeal, bones and other similar food particles pass down down your kitchen drain. They are starchy and can easily cause a clogged drain. Pouring grease and oil in the trash rather than into your sink. Although oil is a mobile liquid, it solidifies inside your plumbing pipes, making the pipes narrow and hindering the flow of water. Only food particles that are dissolvable in the water should be allowed to go down your kitchen pipes and larger chunks should go in the trashcan. Use sink strainers in your kitchen to keep the larger food particles and gunk from washing down into the drain.

2. Be Kind to Your Toilet

It is crucial to be careful and cautious about what you let go inside your toilet. Train your kids not to flush anything except toilet paper, vomit, urine, and human feces. Flushing tampons, diapers, feminine hygiene products, sanitary napkins, leftover food, and hair put your plumbing system at risk. Poring fats and oils down your plumbing system might seem a quick way to get rid of them, but grease can actually create severe clogs in the piping network of your toilet. As a homeowner, you should know how to unclog the main sewer line.

3. Maintain Your Water Heater

Be mindful of your water heater and keep a check on its condition. It’s easy to maintain your water heater when you know its age and condition. A worn-out water heater can be a leading cause of a plumbing emergency. An electric water heater usually lasts for 15 years and a gas water heater lasts up to 10 years. You should get your water heater serviced annually to avoid any inconvenience. Also, inspect the water heater tank once a month to check for drips and other problems. Drain your water heater tank and remove the sediment buildup once a year.

4. Go Easy on Chemical Treatments

Avoid using chemical treatments on your plumbing system very often. Do not use commercial cleaning solutions for your home as they contain harsh chemicals that are not good for your residential plumbing system. You should use good cleaning agents for your toilet that do not harm your plumbing pipes. Do not continue to use chemical treatments on a stubborn blockage, better call a professional plumber to unblock a clog. Keep in mind that harsh chemicals are hard on your water pipes. Use a drain snake or a plunger to dislodge minor clogs yourself.

5. Look Out for Leaks

Inspect your bathroom and kitchen fixtures regularly. When you notice an unexplained spike in your water bill, get your plumbing system inspected for leaks. Even a small leak can escalate your water bill unexpectedly and lead to other damages. Look for the warning signs of plumbing leaks and get them inspected and fixed immediately. If your toilet has stained walls, peeling paint, mildew growth, or unexplained musty odors, you may be having a leak in your plumbing system. Don’t ignore the warning signs of a plumbing leak as it can lead to big trouble and expensive repairs.

6. Find Your Water Shutoff Valve

The water shutoff valve is usually present at your home’s front near the water meter. You should know where the main water shutoff valve is so that you can switch off the water supply if a pipe bursts or an appliance overflows. This way, you can prevent a small problem from turning into a full-scale emergency. Make sure that the handle can be turned easily as it can stiffen up in the winter.

7. Get Regular Plumbing Inspections:

Your plumbing system needs regular checkups and maintenance to ensure that it is operating smoothly and to avoid plumbing emergencies. Scheduling a plumbing inspection with a licensed and trusted plumber helps catch plumbing problems at an early stage before they become major ones. It is good to have your plumbing system serviced annually to keep it operational and healthy year-round.