Indoor plumbing makes life convenient and comfortable. You don’t need to go outside to fetch water or boil water when you want to bathe. To ensure that your plumbing remains functional and to keep safety hazards at bay, follow these plumbing safety dos and don’ts.

Do Have Your Plumbing Inspected Regularly

Plumbing inspections are highly beneficial. During an inspection, the plumber will check to make sure your plumbing system is performing optimally and no problems are present. If the plumber finds any issues with your plumbing, he or she will work with you to resolve them before they can become major problems. Safety risks such as a sewage backup can bring hazardous materials into your home and make you and your family ill. You need to have your plumbing inspected at least once a year for best results.

Do Know the Location of Your Water Shut-Off Valve

It is always important to know the location of your water shut-off valve. If a plumbing emergency causes significant flooding, you will be able to shut your water off quickly to avoid significant property damage that will could to mold growth and cause illness. If you are not sure where your water shut-off valve is located, consult your home inspection report. If you no longer have this report, call a local plumber to help you locate your shut-off valve.

Don’t Put Off Repairs

If you have minor plumbing problems, such as a noisy toilet or a dripping faucet, do not put off getting them fixed. Procrastinating will cause you to waste water. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), one leaky faucet that drips water once per second will cause you to waste over 3,000 gallons of water each year. Also remember that minor plumbing problems can turn into serious issues that can pose safety hazards such as a flood that can cause electrocution if the floodwaters come near outlets.

Don’t Use Caustic Drain Cleaners

Even though there is a wide array of caustic drain cleaners on the market that promise to remove clogs, don’t be tempted to use them. These caustic drain cleaners can corrode your pipes, and this can eventually cause them to crack or burst. The chemicals can get onto your skin and cause severe burns, too. If your drains are clogged, hire a professional plumber to unclog them.

Don’t Try to Fix Plumbing Problems Yourself

You may feel like you can fix any plumbing problem on your own by reading a guide or watching some DIY videos; however, this thinking is flawed. Unless you have gone to trade school and worked as a plumbing apprentice, you will not have the necessary training to fix plumbing issues effectively and safely. To become a journeyman plumber, you need to complete five years of training. If you attempt to fix plumbing issues on your own, there is a significant chance you will make them much worse, and you could also suffer serious injuries.

If you follow these plumbing dos and don’ts, you can keep safety hazards at bay and keep your plumbing in good shape. If you live in the Albuquerque, NM area, contact All-Out Plumbing for drain cleaning or an inspection to check for safety hazards.