It is easy to forget about all of the critical functions of your home’s plumbing and drain systems when they are functioning perfectly. We all take for granted that water will flow from faucets, the shower will provide hot and soothing water to bathe, and the toilet will do its part. But the key to these items’ correct function is a bit of TLC and maintenance. Here is a reminder of the tasks that you need to address to keep your home’s plumbing functioning flawlessly so that you can avoid an emergency plumbing catastrophe this year.
Preventing Sewer And Drain Problems
Your home has only one sewer line that carries everything from your drains to the city sewer system. And if that pipe becomes damaged or clogged, you are going to experience a very unpleasant flood of raw sewage in your home. But these issues can be all but eliminated from your future by following three simple tips:
- The toilet is not a trash can. Being careful about what you flush is the best way to avoid a sewer line issue. Nothing but human waste and toilet paper should ever find their way into your home’s toilet bowl. This includes other paper products, cotton swabs, dental floss, and loose hair.
- Your kitchen sink is also not a trash receptacle. Pour grease and oil in a can or jar for disposal in the trashcan. And keep food bits out of the drain as well. Scrape waste from dishes and cookware into the trash before rinsing to avoid nasty and costly clogs of stick grease residue and food particles.
- Install mesh drain screens in your sinks. These inexpensive tools will capture stray hairs, bits of food, and even tiny pieces of bar soap that will clog the drains in your home.
Preventing Floods
There are other culprits besides a clogged drain that can flood your home. But just a small investment of time can prevent some of the most annoying and costly floods by following these three tips:
- Only run your dishwasher when you are at home. This appliance provides excellent service 99% of the time. But on that rare occasion when something goes wrong, you need to act quickly to avoid significant water damage to your home. Damaged or worn-out hoses, door seals, and even a clog in the sink drain can cause a huge mess unless you are at home and prepared to turn off the machine if it has a rare but possible meltdown.
- Check hoses and connections on appliances regularly. Most of the hoses that supply appliances like your dishwasher, washing machine, fridge water dispenser, and ice maker are plastic. And over time, these hoses get brittle. Just a slight bump of an appliance can jar an old hose enough to create a crack. And soon, you will be following a puddle of water to determine what is leaking. Regular inspections allow you to proactively replace hoses as they begin to show signs of wear and tear.
- Water heater maintenance is essential. Flushing the tank not only lengthens the life of the unit but can also increase the quality of your hot water. Removing the mineral deposits prevents corrosion and tank failures and allows the water to heat more evenly and quickly. There is no repair for a leaking water heater tank, so proper care is vital.
If you find any issues beyond your DIY skills throughout the year, call (505) 308-2776. The All-Out Plumbing & Mechanical team of licensed plumbers is here to assist you 24/7 with reliable and cost-effective solutions.