Tips To Help Your Pipes Last Longer From Professional Plumbers | Timberlane, LA
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Pipes that have leaked, broken, or burst are a nightmare in many ways. They can cause significant damage to your home, they’re expensive to fix, and they can take a lot of time to repair. You can reduce the chance of calling plumbers for pipe issues by following these tips to keep your pipes healthy.
Avoid Chemical Pipe Cleaners
You know the saying, “if it’s too good to be true, it is?” Well, that definitely applies to chemical pipe cleaners. It seems like such an easy solution to your clogged pipes. Purchase a $10 bottle of chemical pipe cleaner, throw it down the drain, and avoid calling plumbers. Right? Wrong. These DIY pipe cleaner products often don’t work, and you will just see your clog come back in a few days.
However, even more problematic, is the potential damage these chemical pipe cleaners can cause to your pipes. The harsh chemicals in these products can corrode and damage your pipes, leading to more problems down the road.
Do yourself and your pipes a favor, skip the chemical products, and call plumbers when you have a clog. A plumber can properly clean the clog and your pipes, scrubbing the sides of the pipes. And, a professional can help you identify what caused the clog in the first place, so you can make sure not to repeat your mistakes.
Regular Drain Cleaning & Maintenance
Many homeowners don’t realize that regular drain cleaning is a part of routine home maintenance. Ideally, it’s recommended you call plumbers for drain cleaning annually. The professionals can do a thorough cleaning, removing any small obstructions before they turn into large ones. They also clean the sides of the pipes, which can help to reduce the risk of corrosion.
With regular maintenance, your pipes will work well, and problems will be caught early on before they magnify.
Deal with Leaks Right Away
Leaks happen, it’s practically inevitable. What is most important is how you respond to the leaks. As soon as you hear the drip of a leak or see the collection of water somewhere, you should call your local plumbers. Leaks can significantly increase your water bill, make your plumbing system less efficient, and lead to significant damage if left unaddressed.
Find the “Right” Water Pressure
A typical home’s water pressure should be between 40 to 80 PSI (pounds per square inch). Water pressure that is too low isn’t pleasant, making it challenging to take a shower or wash dishes. Low water pressure is also often a sign of mineral buildup, leaks, or corrosion in the pipes.
However, water pressure over 85 PSI is also a significant problem. Water pressure that is too high can wear out your pipes and their connections faster. Sometimes, water pressure that is too high can even lead to bursting, especially if the pressure rises rapidly.
You can check your PSI level on your water meter. Plumbers may recommend installing a water pressure gauge as a preventative measure if you’re concerned about your home’s water pressure. This isn’t always necessary, so make sure to ask the professionals if its the correct solution to your problem.
Don’t Use Your Drains & Toilet As a Garbage Can
Often, people treat their toilets and drains like a garbage can. However, your plumbing system is quite delicate and can’t take foreign items.
Let’s start with the toilet. The only thing that should be flushed down the toilet is toilet paper. And even this should be limited. If someone is using a lot of toilet paper, they should be dividing it up over two flushes.
People often fall for products that claim to be “flushable,” such as baby wipes, but we’re here to tell you that even those shouldn’t go down the toilet. These products simply don’t break down as efficiently or quickly as toilet paper, so they’re left to collect in your pipes.
Most people understand not to flush feminine hygiene products and foreign objects down the toilet. Still, it can be helpful to discuss with all household members about what should and should not be flushed.
Next, let’s look at the kitchen. One common mistake is throwing oil, fat, or grease down the kitchen sink. These substances may be liquid when they’re hot, but when they hit the cooling pipes, they start to solidify. Then, the solid fats accumulate in your pipes, collecting food debris, and eventually forming a clog. Always collect your oils and fats in a container, let them cool completely, and throw them out in the garbage or compost bin.
Lastly, we need to talk about garbage disposals. We don’t blame people for using their garbage disposals for garbage; it’s in the name after all! Homeowners often throw seeds, food shavings, or other food waste down the disposal. However, your disposal isn’t made to break down all of these items well, and they end up collecting in your pipes instead. The only thing that should go down your garbage disposal is small bits of food off of your hands as you wash them. Anything more, and we assure you that you’ll be calling in plumbers for garbage disposal repair in no time at all.
Remind all household members to use the kitchen sink for water only and leave the garbage disposal alone!
Don’t Ignore Slow Drains
It’s easy to ignore slow drains, especially as the change can be minuscule at first. But, slow drains are a sign of a blockage somewhere in your pipes. Blockages almost always lead to increased water pressure, which means your pipes have to work harder and will wear out faster.
As soon as you notice a slow drain, call your local plumbers. The professionals will fix the issue and give your pipes a break from working overtime.
blueFrog Plumbing in Timberlane, LA
The residents of Timberlane, LA, have come to trust bluefrog Plumbing + Drain for all of their plumbing needs. We offer quality repair and services from certified, professional, and friendly plumbers. Contact us today for your next plumbing appointment; we’re available 24/7 if needed!
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