Tag: terrifying

Tips to Avoid Plumbing Problems This Fall

While homeowners might enjoy being frightened by a scary movie this Halloween, they likely don’t want to live in a real-life nightmare if they have a plumbing issue. Plumbing problems can have terrifying consequences for households, including flooding, burst pipes, sewage backups, and water damage.

To avoid these problems – and expensive cleanups and repairs – homeowners can use these expert tips from experienced plumbers. These tips include how to prevent clogs, why to get routine maintenance, and the importance of water heater maintenance services.

How to Prevent Clogs

A clog can cause significant problems for a household. While it can lead to backed-up toilets and drains, which can cause inconveniences, it can also lead to water damage and other plumbing problems if not repaired quickly. Fortunately, there are steps homeowners can take to prevent drain and sewer line clogs. 

To avoid clogs, plumbers recommend avoiding throwing food scraps and waste down the drain. Many households habitually toss leftover food or scraps from cooking down the drain and into the garbage disposal. This can lead to tough blockages in the pipes and problems for the garbage disposal. Certain foods that should never go down the drain include pasta, rice, eggshells, bones, stringy vegetables, and cooking grease and oils. 

To prevent clogs in the sewer line, plumbers also recommend that families be careful about what they flush down the toilet. Putting a trash can in a convenient spot in the bathroom can help family members remember to throw items in the wastebasket instead of flushing them. Households should only ever flush waste and toilet paper. Some items that should never be flushed are:

• Feminine hygiene products
• Baby wipes
• Diapers
• Paper towels
• Q-tips
• Cotton balls
• Toys and other objects

If households notice their sinks draining slowly or other signs of a clog, they should schedule drain cleaning services with a professional who can perform drain snaking or hydro jet drain cleaning. These services will allow plumbers to remove buildups in lines and identify issues before they lead to a larger problem. 

Every Household Needs Plumbing Maintenance 

While plumbing problems can have frightening results for households, many issues can be prevented by plumbers performing routine plumbing maintenance. These preventative maintenance services let plumbers inspect the plumbing system and look for defects that can be repaired before they lead to plumbing emergencies. 

Plumbers recommend scheduling maintenance and an inspection of the plumbing system about once a year. This includes checking the larger plumbing appliances, including the water heater and water softener, and examining the plumbing fixtures, like the toilets, faucets, and showerheads. They’ll also look for leaks and identify any malfunctioning components needing repair. Homeowners can also schedule routine drain cleaning services where plumbers remove any buildups and debris in the pipes that could lead to larger blockages and clogs. 

Why Water Heater Maintenance Is Essential

A malfunctioning water heater can cause significant issues for homes. It’s essential for homeowners to schedule routine water heater maintenance to avoid these problems. During these services, plumbers will drain and flush the tank to remove any sediment buildup and check the anode rod to see if it needs replacement. They will also look for any defects that can cause the system to break down, inspect the pressure relief valve, and examine the unit for leaks.  

Scheduling these maintenance services will extend the water heater’s lifespan, reduce the risk of problems, improve the water heating system’s energy efficiency, and reduce energy bills. Following these tips and contacting a plumber at the first sign of a plumbing problem will help homeowners avoid a scary plumbing disaster this Halloween and beyond. 

About Expert Plumbing & Water Heaters, Inc.

Expert Plumbing & Water Heaters, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company serving Soquel and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day services, flat rate pricing, and on-time arrival. Call them today for plumbing services in Soquel, CA. 

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