How to Prevent Common Plumbing Problems

Nobody likes to deal with plumbing problems. After all, plumbing and sewer problems, if not handled properly, can lead to a long list of other household maintenance issues. Fortunately, you don't have to be a plumber to deal with some of the more common plumbing related issues. However, with care, you can prevent them, and that is even better. Here are some common plumbing issues that you can easily prevent.

Sewer backups

A sewer back up will flood a home with foul, dirty smelling water and can cause hundreds of dollars of damage. To prevent sewer backups there are several steps you can take.

Never flush diapers, hygiene products, or non-disposable wipes as they will clog the sewer line and cause the lines to get backed up. It may not happen immediately, but this is inevitably the result.

Check the outside lines to make sure that there are no intrusions from tree roots. As roots love water, they will often grow towards the source. With time, the roots will break the sewer lines and fill the pipes with root masses that will trap debris flushed down the toilet and ultimately push it back into the home...almost sounds like something from an old B-rated sci-fi movie. Unfortunately, it's not a joke.

Sewer Gas Odors

Drain traps have water seals which are used to contain odors from penetrating the home. If you start smelling offensive odors, it is highly likely that they have evaporated past the water seal. Typically this problem occurs in drains that are not frequently used and are in the lower level of a structure. This is easily fixed by pouring a gallon of water down the offending drain.

Weak Flushing

If the toilet tank ball is set too high or too low then the toilet will not flush properly. Make sure that you have the water level where it should be. Typically, there will be a line inside the tank indicating what the water level should be.

Blocked Drains/Clogged Toilets

If you are seeing water around your shower, bathtub, sinks or toilet then it is a sure sign of a blocked drain or a clogged pipe. Before calling the plumber, try using a plunger then a plumber's snake to see if you can move whatever is causing the blockage. If neither tool removes whatever is blocking the lines, then you would be best off to call a plumber before the problem escalates.

Frozen Pipes

Be sure that pipes are not exposed during the winter-especially if you live in an area prone to freezing temperatures. Protect your pipes by insulating with electrical heating tape in the winter. On especially cold nights, it is wise to leave the water faucets turned on just to drip as this will keep the water moving. In the event of frozen pipes, use hot water bottles beginning from the end of the pipe nearest the tap. Emphasis is on thawing the pipes slowly to prevent them from bursting.

For additional information on the topic of plumbing visit Gene's Water & Sewer.

Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Gene's Water & Sewer. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

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