Do you know how to care for your plumbing system appropriately? A lot of homeowners leave it unattended because it’s hidden away. With pipes behind walls, under sinks, and buried under meters of dirt, it’s easy to forget about.
However, you can’t afford to overlook maintaining your plumbing. You’ll end up with leaks, cracks, rust, mould, and serious water damage.
Instead, take care of your system using these simple tips from an expert today!
Have an Annual Inspection
One of the most important pieces of advice we can give is to detect and repair problems before they become major hazards. The most effective way to do this is to have an annual inspection where you call the best plumbers in Toronto to look over your system.
Each year the plumber can check your drains, look for leaks and inspect your main lines. When you do this regularly, you won’t have to fear buildup, cracks or mould. It will be handled before it’s a big issue!
Maintain Your Drains
The next step is to take care of your drains. A lot of soap, hair and debris can build up in a drain and cause it to drain slowly or not work at all.
Not only do clogs block water flow, they breed bacteria and put pressure on pipes. You want to prevent blockages if possible and treat them quickly if they occur.
Prevent Clogs
To prevent clogs, do your best to make sure that debris doesn’t enter a drain. Use mesh covers in your bathroom, and don’t put grease or other trash down your kitchen sink (even if you have a disposal).
Also, don’t flush anything other than waste and toilet paper down your toilet. Even “flushable” wipes can easily clog your system, and feminine products and toiletries should never be flushed.
You can also use an enzyme treatment on a regular basis to help prevent buildup.
Treat Clogs
If a clog happens, you want to take care of it right away. Try using a sink plunger to force the blockage down. If that doesn’t work, you can try vinegar and baking soda or a commercial cleaner.
Be sure to carefully follow the directions on the cleaner. The same chemicals that eat away clogs can damage your skin, your sink, and even eat away at your pipes if you use it improperly. If you have frequent problems with blockages, call a plumber to find a better long-term solution.
Take Care of Your Main Line
The main line of your plumbing system collects wastewater from your drains and carries it out of your home. Outside, it connects to the city’s main wastewater line and is carried to a treatment plant.
It’s important to take care of your outdoor main line to prevent cracks, leaks, or other damage. Keep an eye on any trees in your yard to ensure roots aren’t growing near the pipes. You may want to put root killer down your toilet twice a year. This will kill tree roots in the pipe without damaging the trees.
Watch out for debris or yard work that can impact or block the main line. Also, enzyme treatments can help prevent blockages from forming.
If there is a blockage, you’ll need to call a professional to take care of it. When you choose a great plumbing company, they can help you make repairs and work to prevent costly major problems.
It pays to take care of your plumbing! When everything flows smoothly, you can enjoy your home without fear of contamination or water problems.
