Resolve To Take Better Care of Your Home’s Plumbing This Year
Many homeowners use the new year as an opportunity to get down to business and tackle those home improvement projects that have long been put on the back burner. This year, as so many people continue to work from home, there’s never been a better time to knock out these nagging tasks once and for all. But a big part of home improvement is home maintenance, and keeping the plumbing in good working order is a step in the right direction. General neglect is a primary factor in most plumbing problems - big or small - so here are a few simple ways to keep things running smoothly.
Hire a Pro for Drain Cleaning Service
More often than not, clogged drains are the result of months or even years of built-up gunk. Grease, food waste, and hair can collect inside drain pipes until they reach a critical mass and gum up the works. Some homeowners try to clear the obstruction using plungers, chemical solvents, or household fixes like baking soda and vinegar.
These DIY solutions can be effective, especially if the blockage is in the P-trap (a curved section of pipe directly under the drain that provides a water seal against sewer gases). Still, in some cases, they either make no difference or make matters worse by damaging the plumbing or contributing to the blockage.
A thorough drain cleaning performed by a professional is the surest way to remove unwelcome substances from pipes without further damage. Hydro-jetting is one effective method used by plumbers to wash out the drainage system with high-pressure water hoses, all the way down to the sewers. Hydro-jetting can eliminate years’ worth of scum along with any trapped debris.
Monitor What Gets Flushed Down the Toilet
A clogged and overflowing toilet can ruin anyone’s day in a hurry. While some nasty buildup in the drain pipes may be a factor, toilets typically only get backed up when something is flushed that shouldn’t be, or when too much is flushed at once. With a diameter of 3 to 4 inches, toilet drain pipes are designed to handle a lot of waste, but a large wad of toilet paper is enough to become stuck and form a stubborn barrier. Using less toilet paper or flushing more than once can make all the difference.
The only things that should ever be put down the toilet are toilet paper and human waste. Disinfectant wipes, paper towels, cotton balls, makeup remover pads, and personal hygiene products are a few of the items commonly found in clogged toilets - even ‘flushable’ baby wipes are not to be trusted.
Pay Close Attention for Signs of Leaks
Even a small water leak can hike up the utility bill to a surprising degree and cause significant damage to the home before it’s ever discovered. Every homeowner should be on the lookout for evidence of a leak, especially if they live in an older home that still has its original plumbing.
Fixtures, appliances, and visible pipes should all be inspected for water or water scale stains, but some leaks may be hidden in the walls or floors. Discolored splotches on drywall, bubbling paint or wallpaper, bulging or split woodwork, mold growth, and musty odors all indicate a possible leak. Some leaks may even produce a dripping sound, so it doesn’t hurt to listen up during the home’s quietest periods.
Another good way to check for a leak is to observe the water meter (usually on the side of the house or under a utility panel in the front yard). With every faucet and water-consuming appliance (such as the dishwasher) turned off, simply take a picture of the numbers on the meter face. After an hour (without using any water), compare the photo with the current meter reading. If it shows different numbers, there is a leak.
About Zing Plumbing
Tucson, Arizona’s Zing Plumbing has been happily handling their community’s residential and commercial plumbing needs for years. As a licensed, bonded and insured local business, they pride themselves on their fast turnarounds, friendly service, and community support. Contact them today for expert plumbing service in Tucson, AZ.
