Simple Ways to Prevent Common Plumbing Problems

Every home will run into plumbing problems that are usually easy to fix without the assistance of a trained plumber. So when you feel it is necessary to call a trusted plumber the problem is always a lot bigger than a clogged toilet. Preventative maintenance can be a lot less expensive than calling a plumber. Here are a few regular maintenance tips and simple steps you can take to help save you money in the long run:

Bathroom Sink

• Experiencing low water pressure? The problem might be the aerator on the tip of your sink faucet. To clean it, gently unscrew it (you might have to use a wrench with some padding) and take it apart. Then use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the parts and reassemble.

• Install a drain strainer in your sink, even if you have to call a plumber to do it! Hair blocks sinks like nothing else, and that’s something you’ll find a lot of in the bathroom. You save yourself a lot of hassle in the future if you start removing foreign objects from the water flow.

• Check both your faucet and the drain pipe beneath your sink frequently for signs of damaging leaks. Leaks are not only great at wasting water, but also at damaging wood and other property!

Toilet

• Toilets, like every other plumbing fixture, are subject to leaks. Put a few drops of red food coloring into the tank and wait half an hour. Then check the bowl, and look for any hints of red. If you find any, your toilet’s tank is leaking. This usually results from a faulty ball or flapper, which are used to help seal the channel between the two water basins.

• Remember to never use your toilet as a waste basket! Excess toilet paper is bad enough, but when cotton balls, q-tips, tissues and other hygiene products are added to the mix, you are literally asking for a blockage.

• Get in the habit of keeping your toilet lid closed when it’s not in use. Random objects and possessions can fall in and clog the pipe. To protect your possessions and your toilet, keep the lid closed.

Tub & Shower

• Make sure that tub drain stoppers are sealing properly. To check, fill your tub with water and mark the water level. Then wait awhile, and come back to see if and/or how much the water level has fallen. Conserving what may seem like an insignificant amount of water can save your thousands of dollars over the years.

• If your tub doesn’t have one already, outfit it with a strainer to help catch hair and soap chips. This will vastly reduce the likelihood of blockages within the drain pipe.

• Protect and clean showerheads from mineral deposits. Flush the head with water and let it soak overnight in vinegar to loosen mineral buildup. Then flush it with water again in the morning, and re-attach. This will help keep water pressure up and your water bill down.

Following these simple, inexpensive steps and it just might save you some cash and a call to your local plumber. If you do happen to discover a more complicated plumbing issue during your regular maintenance don’t hesitate to call in the experts! Contact CityWIDE Plumbing & Drain Service, we personally guarantee your complete satisfaction.