Tips On How To Prevent Home Plumbing Emergencies
Of all the home maintenance emergencies you can experience as a South Florida homeowner, plumbing issues may just be the worst. Your home’s plumbing system, fixtures, and units all control the flow of water, and one minor component failure could result in major plumbing emergencies. But there are steps Florida homeowners can take to help prevent them.
Check out this checklist of preventive plumbing tips to reduce the risks of plumbing emergencies, nightmare scenarios, and emergency repairs.
Plumbing System Inspections Can Help
Whether you’re moving into a new home or have lived at your current residence for years, you should consider having an experienced plumbing company conduct an inspection. Aging homes can experience eroding pipes, worn seals, and material degradation. Toilets, sinks, and tub/shower drains have lifespans and through a plumbing inspection, you can find out if anything needs to be repaired or replaced before burst pipes and leaks occur.
Keep Up with Property Maintenance and Care
As a homeowner, you can take maintenance and preventive care steps to preserve and prolong the life of your plumbing system. Similar to rotating your car tires, you can hire a professional plumber to perform annual or seasonal plumbing maintenance. And follow these tips to keep your plumbing system as healthy as possible.
- Use drain covers in both your shower and kitchen sink.
- Flush sinks with hot warm occasionally.
- Have your water heater professionally flushed annually.
- Consult with a professional about the benefits of adding a filtration system.
- Consult with a professional about the care and benefits of water softeners.
Learn the Signs of Potential Plumbing Failures
Nothing’s more annoying than a water heater leak or a burst pipe dumping water in your bathroom. And while some of these instances can be unforeseeable, there are signs to look for that indicate a plumbing emergency is about to happen. Pay attention to these signs, and then call your trusted plumber immediately.
- Visibly rusted or corroded plumbing pipes.
- Slow or steady drips from any pipes, toilets, sinks, or water heater.
- Unusual sounds or “gurgling” from your toilets or water heater.
- Unusually foul odors from drains
- Noticeably slow drainage or water backup in sinks.
- Continuously running or regularly clogging toilets.
- Sudden water stains along walls or ceilings.
- Visible signs of mold under sinks or around fixtures.
Avoid Making These Plumbing Mistakes
Sometimes, homeowners can unknowingly damage their plumbing system and fixtures without realizing. Prevent major plumbing emergencies by avoiding these common mistakes.
- Never dispose of grease, oils, or fatty remnants from dinner down the sink.
- Be mindful of cleaning and caring for your garbage disposal.
- Avoid hanging clothes, plants, or other items from exposed plumbing pipes.
- Don’t flush anything down the toilet aside from approved flushable items.
- Avoid the DIY chemicals from the store to unclog drains.
- Avoid using self-bought pipe cleaners or snaking tools that can be more damaging to your pipes.
Call the South Florida Plumbing Experts
You might not be comfortable trying to assess your own plumbing and it’s recommended that you don’t. The good news is that South Florida residents can always call 1-800-475-1504 with all of their plumbing-related questions and concerns. The expert team at Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric can help you stay ahead of major plumbing emergencies and keep your system in good condition.
