5 Ways to Prevent Plumbing Emergencies

Routine Maintenance and Care Will Save You Time and Money in the Long Run

No one wants to deal with a plumbing emergency. They can be messy, smelly, and worst of all, expensive. But there are some things you can do to help prevent them. By investing money into routine maintenance and care, you’ll save money down the line by avoiding major repairs. Maintaining your plumbing system can seem like a hassle, but it’s worth the effort in the long run.

Ignoring potential problems often leads to bigger and more expensive repairs in the future. At Mr Rooter of Greater Charleston, we can help you resolve small issues before they become big ones and prevent you from having to deal with leaky pipes or clogged drains in the future. Implementing just a few of these tips will help keep the plumbing at your Charleston home or business in tip-top shape and hopefully avoid any disasters.

Here are five easy ways to help prevent plumbing emergencies at your home or business.

1. Don’t Pour Grease or Oil Down the Drain

The sink drains at your home or business serve an important purpose, but they shouldn’t be used as a repository for grease and oil. These substances can clog up your pipes, leading to slow drainage and eventually, plumbing back-ups and costly repairs. Over time, such materials can harden inside your pipes, requiring professional assistance.

Proper drain care goes a long way in preventing plumbing catastrophes. So next time you’re cleaning up after cooking, make sure to compost or discard grease and oil somewhere else so you can save yourself some trouble. Additionally, investing in routine drain cleaning can help improve the health and longevity of your plumbing.

2. Keep an Eye on Your Water Bill

It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your water bill. If you see a sudden spike, it could be an indication of various issues. Even if you think your water usage has increased, it’s always wise to check for problems anyway.

A sudden spike on your water bill could indicate:

• A leaking pipe or appliance
• That your toilet is constantly running
• A dripping faucet
• An underground leak on your sewer line

If you’re unable to determine the cause of the spike, you should contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Charleston for assistance. Our team can help you diagnose the problem and resolve it quickly so you can save money.

3. Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve is Located

If there’s one thing you should know about your home, it’s where your main water shut-off valve is located. In the event of a burst pipe or other plumbing emergency, you can cut the water off at its source and prevent major water damage.

The shut-off valve is usually located near where the water line enters your home. If you’re unsure where yours is, give us a call. Knowing where your shut-off valve is located could save you a lot of time and money if a plumbing emergency does arise.

4. Inspect Exposed Pipes Regularly

Regularly inspecting exposed pipes is one of the best ways to ensure the safety and longevity of your home’s plumbing system. In doing so, you can detect small leaks before they become catastrophic and identify any corrosion in your pipes. If corrosion is present, you may be able to repair it before it causes any significant damage and requires a complete replacement. Keep your property safe and save money by making pipe inspection part of your regular household maintenance routine.

5. Be Mindful of What You Flush Down the Toilet

When you’re dealing with a clogged toilet, it can be a nightmare. It’s important to remember that the toilet is not a trash bin: you should only flush toilet paper down the drain. Any other items, like hygiene products and wipes, should not be flushed down the toilet—even if they are labelled as “flushable”.

If these products do make their way into your plumbing system, they can block your pipes and create problems throughout your home. To keep everything running smoothly with minimal fuss, it’s essential to understand what should and shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet. Be proactive about taking care of your plumbing, and ensure that you properly dispose of any hygiene products or other items.

Following these simple steps will help you avoid a costly plumbing disaster at your Charleston home or business. However, you can rest assured that if you need urgent assistance, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Charleston will be there to help. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services for residential and commercial clients in the community.

If you need a professional and courteous plumber, don’t hesitate to contact us online or give us a call today. We’d be happy to assist you!