Plumbing Tips for Winston-Salem Homeowners

When it comes to maintaining the health and lifespan of your home, plumbing should take priority. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t think about their plumbing system until something dire happens, often calling for expensive emergency repairs. Any homeowner should take certain steps to sustain and support their home's plumbing system and avoid unnecessary repairs.

Top Ten Tips to Keep Your Plumbing Running Smoothly

Be Careful of What You Flush

Certain things can be flushed, but most items should never go through your home’s plumbing system. It is wise only to flush human waste and toilet paper down your toilets. If you start flushing other things, significant clogs can become more risky. Examples of what to avoid flushing include hygiene products, diapers, cotton balls, prescription medications, or paper towels.

Use a Strainer

Some of the most common plumbing issues in homes today are clogs—especially in sink or shower drains, where residue can build up from soap, hair, or food waste. The best way to avoid this build-up is to use strainers in all your home’s drains. It is also imperative for you to clean out these strainers regularly to ensure they continue working correctly.

Don’t Pour Oil or Grease Down Drains

Over time, the build-up of grease or oil being disposed of down sink drains can cause unnecessary clogs that may be expensive to clear. The best way to avoid this is not to pour these substances down the drain. Additionally, if your home is equipped with a garbage disposal, there are certain food items you should avoid putting down it to keep it in working order and avoid build-up and subsequent clogs. These items include tough meats, coffee grounds, nuts/seeds, and rice or pasta.

Test Toilets for Leakage

Toilet leaks can be irritating, but they can be caught early if you regularly check for them. Drop a few drops of food coloring into your toilet tank to check for a leak in your toilet valve. In a few hours, if the colored water has wound up in the toilet bowl, you are most likely experiencing leakage.

Ensure Accessibility of the Main Sewer Drain

Though most of your home’s plumbing system is hidden, the main sewer drain should not be. In cases of sewer line blockages, you will want to ensure that your main sewer drain is accessible and not covered by carpeting, vinyl flooring, or storage boxes.

Know the Placement of Main Water Valves

In the event of burst piping, you will want to turn off your main water valve to mitigate as much of the potential damage as possible. Knowing where this valve is located prior to any emergency can help you avoid running around the house and wasting time looking for it while water damage ensues.

Prevent Freezing

In some cases, especially during the winter, temperatures can drop, and there may be an increased risk of your pipes freezing. Ensure air is always circulating through your home and your pipes are insulated.

Prolong Tap Life

Tightening a tap as far as it can go might seem like a good idea, but it can damage the health of the tap’s seal. The more pressure you place on the seal, the more worn it will become. To avoid this, only turn your tap off to its natural stopping point, and don’t force it.

Don’t Use Drain Cleaning Chemicals

When your home’s plumbing system experiences a clog, you might be tempted to reach for a jug of chemical drain cleaner. Don’t. The chemicals in these cleaners can cause more harm than good and corrode your pipes. To fix clogs, use a simple baking soda and vinegar solution or contact a professional.

Call Contact Mr. Rooter Today for Your Plumbing Needs

The reality is that no matter how much work you do to maintain the health of your home’s plumbing system, things can go wrong. From a burst pipe to a broken, outdated water heater, you need someone you can count on to do the job. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Winston Salem, we pride ourselves on offering trustworthy service to our clients.

Suppose you do encounter a plumbing issue in your home. In that case, it is always the smartest move to contact a professional plumber who knows what is necessary to safely and effectively perform the repair. Trying a DIY fix can often make matters much worse. If you need plumbing service, contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing today.