PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
Maintaining your plumbing system doesn't have to be a chore. Follow these expert tips from All Sound Plumbing to prevent common pipe and drain issues and extend the life of your plumbing system.
Kitchen Drains
Avoid Grease and Oil:
Never pour cooking oils, fats, or grease down the drain, as they solidify in pipes and cause clogs. Instead, let them cool, then dispose of them in the trash.
Use Biodegradable Soaps:
Whenever possible, opt for biodegradable soaps in the kitchen. These soaps are gentler on your plumbing and better for the environment, reducing residue buildup in pipes and helping prevent clogs over time.
Avoid Harsh Drain Cleaners:
Skip harsh, corrosive drain cleaners that can damage pipes and lead to costly repairs. If your kitchen drain is clogged, try plunging first or use natural solutions like baking soda and vinegar to clear the blockage safely.
Weekly Baking Soda and Vinegar Flush:
Once a week, pour a mixture of ½ cup of salt, ½ cup of baking soda, and ½ cup of vinegar down the drain, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then flush with hot water to break down buildup naturally.
Garbage Disposal
Run Cold Water:
Always run cold water, not hot, while using the disposal to help solidify any fats or oils for easier grinding and flushing.
Avoid Hard or Fibrous Foods:
Avoid disposing of bones, fruit pits, coffee grounds, celery, or potato peels, as these can damage the blades or cause blockages.
Freshen with Ice and Citrus Peels:
To combat smells, put ice cubes hallway in the disposal, run it, and then flush with cold water. Then grind half a lemon in the disposal once a week to freshen the disposal and eliminate odors naturally.
Toilet Care
Avoid Flushing Non-Flushable:
Only flush toilet paper. Never flush wipes, cotton balls, or other non-biodegradable items, as they can cause blockages.
Check for Leaks Regularly:
Add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank and wait 10 minutes. If the color appears in the bowl, you have a leak, which wastes water and requires repair.
Use Minimal Toilet Paper:
Excessive toilet paper can lead to clogs. Using just what you need helps keep pipes clear.
Prevent Overflow:
If your toilet is about to overflow, remove the tank lid and close the flush valve. This stops the water level from rising, giving you time to assess and address the issue.
Quick Fix for a Leaking Ball Float:
If the ball float leaks, unscrew and drain it, then wrap it in a plastic bag after reattaching. This temporary fix will allow it to keep floating until you can replace it.
Shower Head and Bathroom Drain
Clean the Shower Head:
To prevent clogs from mineral buildup, soak the shower head in vinegar every few months. Simply unscrew it, soak it overnight, and rinse.
Use a Hair Catcher:
Place a drain strainer in your shower to catch hair and other debris, reducing the risk of clogs.
Flush with Hot Water:
Flush bathroom drains with hot water weekly to keep soap scum and buildup at bay.
Tackle Hard Water Buildup:
Hard water or infrequent cleanings can lead to mineral buildup, which reduces water pressure. If you notice decreased pressure, clean the outlet holes on the shower head with a pin or soak the face plate in vinegar overnight, then scrub it for a fresh, powerful flow.
Exterior Water Pips
Insulate Pipes:
Before winter, insulate any exposed exterior pipes to protect them from freezing.
Drain Outdoor Faucets:
Turn off the water to outdoor faucets and drain them thoroughly before the first freeze to prevent frozen pipes.
Prepare for Freezing Temperatures:
When temperatures are expected to drop below freezing, follow these steps to protect your outdoor water lines:
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Remove, drain, and store outdoor hoses.
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Close any indoor valves that supply outdoor spigots.
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Open outdoor spigots to fully drain the water.
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Insulate exposed water pipes to shield them from the cold.
These precautions can help prevent your water lines from freezing and bursting, potentially saving you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in repairs.
Additional Tips
Flush Drain-Waste and Vent Systems:
When it’s time to clean the gutters, take the opportunity to flush your drain-waste and vent systems as well. Run water from a garden hose at full capacity for a minute or two down each vent to help clear any blockages and improve airflow.
Monitor Your Water Meter for Leaks:
Regularly check your water meter to catch hidden leaks early. With no water running inside, the dials on the meter should be stable. Any movement may indicate a leak within your home—often in a toilet—which can lead to increased water bills if not addressed promptly.
CONTACT US FOR EXPERT PLUMBING SUPPORT
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MAINTENANCE TIPS?
We’re here to help with all your plumbing needs, from preventative maintenance to emergency repairs. If you have any questions or would like professional assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our experienced team is ready to provide reliable and efficient solutions that keep your plumbing system in top condition.