The Do’s and Don’ts of Residential Plumbing

How Can I Avoid Plumbing Problems at Home?

Many homeowners dread plumbing problems, especially since they tend to pop up when you least expect them; from a clogged sink drain to a leaking water line, the possibilities are endless. That said, if you’re looking to sharpen your plumbing practices around your humble abode, leaving less room for error, here are some quick tips to take into consideration.

Do: Have Plumbing Leaks Repaired Right Away

If you noticed that the glass on your living room window was broken, would you ignore the damage or have it repaired right away? While it can be inferred that you’d have a professional patch up the broken pane immediately, the same cannot be said for a plumbing leak. And while ignoring a leak — such as a leaky faucet — may seem minuscule, you could be doing more harm than good by putting off the repair.

The Environmental Protection Agency states that a leaky faucet (that drips at a rate of one drip per second) can waste more than 3,000 gallons of H2O per year — alarming, right? In some instances, if you ignore a leaking plumbing feature or dismiss the signs that you have a hidden plumbing leak present (i.e., suddenly higher water bills), it could lead to the inevitable — mold/mildew growth, a burst plumbing pipe, etcetera.

Don’t: DIY Plumbing Projects Without Experience

Since we’re spending more time at home these days, there’s a chance you may feel inclined to upgrade a plumbing fixture (or a few) in your living space to give it a more modern feel. However, if you have not made plumbing repairs or improvements in the past, it’s better to leave this up to a professional.

For starters, there have been many instances where a homeowner might not turn off their water supply before getting started — this could lead to the inevitable: flooding. Other times, a fixture might seem as if it has been successfully installed, but either it might be loose or a fitting might be over-tightened (which could lead to stripped screws and irreparable bolts). The solution?

To help keep your home dry from any turmoil, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your trusted, professional plumber. They know all the ins and outs of your plumbing system and will help make upgrades as seamlessly and efficiently as possible!

Do: Be Gentle With Your Garbage Disposal

A fan-favorite kitchen gadget amongst many homeowners is the garbage disposal. This device is installed directly inside your sink and helps grind solid food waste, making it safe to pass through your home’s plumbing system to be discarded (hello, a stench-free garbage can!).

While a garbage disposal may seem like it can take on just about anything you “feed” it, that couldn’t be further from the truth. As it turns out, you must be gentle with your unit, making sure that you avoid “feeding” it items that can harm it, such as:

• Potato peels

• Fibrous foods (i.e., asparagus)

• Fruit pits (i.e., peach)

In a conscious effort to help take care of your garbage disposal, if you’re unsure whether something can be disposed of inside it, toss it out into your nearest trash receptacle. Doing so can help avoid costly repairs, as well as the worst-case scenario: having to replace your device prematurely.

Don’t: Use a Chemical Drain Cleaner

Whatever you do, refrain from using a chemical drain cleaner to clear a clog at home. Not only are these chemical concoctions harmful to the environment and your home’s plumbing system, but they can also be detrimental to your well-being (especially if used in a poorly ventilated area).

As it turns out, many chemical drain cleaners are considered caustic (they may contain sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid in their composition) — meaning they’ll heat up when they come in contact with an obstruction. With repeated use over time, they’ll not only keep your drains clear, but they’ll also have a chance of melting PVC pipes, as well as older metal pipes.

If you run into a clogged drain, it’s best to contact your plumber. They’ll be able to clear the blockage out in a safe, chemical-free manner. Now, if you’re looking to lessen the chance of running into a drain obstruction in the future, consider scheduling a drain cleaning service.

Plumbing Professionals in Renton, WA

Whether it’s a leaky faucet or a problematic toilet, for the best plumbing services in Renton and the surrounding areas, turn to The Plumbing Joint Inc.! We will get right to work on fixing any problems that have arisen with your home’s plumbing!

Call us today at (425) 228-3204 to schedule your service!