5 Simple Tips to Avoid Plumbing Disasters

Following these tips will help keep clogs and leaks from damaging your home

tips top avoid plumbing disastersWater damage is one of the most common insurance claims on residential properties, and often this damage comes from leaky, overflowing, or otherwise malfunctioning plumbing. Besides the financial cost of such damage, you also have to contend with the inconvenience of having inoperable plumbing. Fortunately, you can help prevent many potential plumbing disasters with these 5 simple tips. And in the event that something does go wrong, you can always count on the Drain Dudes to help set it right.

Inspect Your Pipes & Fixtures Regularly

Every month or so, make a point of going around your home looking for potential signs of a problem with your plumbing. Run water in various fixtures and look for leaks or slow drainage. Pay special attention to pipes that appear visibly corroded or dimpled as this could be a sign that they may soon develop holes. Also, check to see if any faucets are running discolored water as this could indicate rust or corrosion within the pipe. If you do notice anything amiss, contact a plumber immediately for a preventative repair that will save you lots of money and aggravation down the line.

Use the Garbage Disposal Sparingly

Kitchen sink drains are prone to clogs and odors because people often overuse or misuse the garbage disposal. It’s safest to use the garbage disposal sparingly, only grinding up the small bits of food that end up in the drain in the course of normal kitchen cleanup. Don’t put liquid grease down the drain, grind up fibrous foods that could get twisted around the disposal blades, or attempt to dispose of large quantities of food.

Invest in Regular Drain Cleanings

Getting a professional drain cleaning as soon as you notice any signs of a problem in any of your home’s drains or fixtures can save you considerable aggravation later on. It’s far preferable to get a drain cleaning at your convenience than to have to call an emergency plumber because a drain has backed up and dirty water is covering your floors.

Watch Your Water Bills

Sometimes leaks may occur in areas that you can’t inspect visually. Slab leaks, which occur within the concrete foundation of your home, are a prime example. Watching your water bill for sudden unexplained spikes in usage can help detect leaks that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Shut Off Water When Away

Even a small leak can do a considerable amount of damage if it is not detected promptly. Any time you know you will be away for several days at a time, it is a good idea to shut off the water in your home. If you’re not sure where the main shut off is for your home, ask a professional plumber to locate it for you and show you how to turn the water on and off.