9 Tips You Must Follow To Avoid Plumbing Issues

9 Tips You Must Follow To Avoid Plumbing Issues

Regarding home maintenance, plumbing is one of the most necessary things you need to consider. Lack of plumbing maintenance can cause a lot of inconvenience to you and your family. And while scheduling regular plumbing services in Riverside, CA, can help you avoid plumbing issues to a great extent, it is important that you take care of a few things to avoid plumbing issues. On that note, here’s a list of plumbing tips you must closely follow.

1. Do Not Pour Oil, Fats, or Grease Down the Drain

Many people tend to pour oil, fats, and grease into their plumbing drains, thinking these things are soluble in water and, therefore, harmless. But the fact is that these things are not soluble, and they tend to build up in the drain and lead to major clogging issues in the long run. So, it is advised to avoid pouring these things down the drain.

2. Know What Not to Flush Down Your Toilet

Your toilet is designed only to flush human waste and toilet paper. Avoid flushing other items, such as wipes, sanitary products, cotton balls, cotton pads, condoms, diapers, dental floss, and medicines. That’s because these products don’t disintegrate like human waste and toilet paper, so they tend to cause plumbing issues.

3. Inspect Your Pipes Regularly For Leaks and Cracks

As they say, a stitch in time saves nine. A regular inspection of your plumbing pipes for leaks and cracks will help you detect plumbing issues early on. This will not only help you avoid the inconvenience caused due to plumbing breakdowns, but it will also help you avoid major repairs that can be exorbitant.

4. Avoid the Use of Chemical Drain Cleaners

The chemical drain cleaners can damage your plumbing pipes. They lead to the deterioration of toilet bowls, dissolving of metal pipes, and warping of plastic pipes. So, it is advised to steer clear of them. And while some might argue that using chemical cleaners once in a while wouldn’t do much harm, why take that risk when one can use natural cleaners such as vinegar and baking soda?

5. Go For a Water Softener or a Whole House Water Filter

A whole-house water filter helps filter out the impurities, reducing clogging chances. Installing a whole-house water filter is a must in areas with hard water issues. If you don’t know what hard water is, well water with high mineral content is referred to as hard water. Hard water not only leads to plumbing issues but is bad for washing clothes and bathing purposes as well.

6. Keep a Plunger to Clear the Clogs

A plunger is a great tool to clear minor clogs. You can also temporarily use the plunger to fix your drain lines before a local plumber in Temecula, CA, fixes the issue. Make sure you invest in a quality plunger and don’t just buy any plunger. You should buy a cup plunger for the kitchen sink and a flange plunger for the toilet. When using the plunger, ensure the entire drain opening is covered and a seal is created when you insert the plunger into the drain line. Plunge up and down several times and pour boiling water if required. 

7. Make Sure You Know Where the Main Water Shut-off Valve is Located

Some plumbing emergencies may require you to shut down the water supply immediately. But first, make sure you know where the main shut-off valve is to avoid further damage. Usually, the main shut-off valve is located at the entrance where the main water line enters your home or near the water meter.

8. Make Sure There Are No Trees or Plants Near the Plumbing Lines

Trees with large spreading roots are one of the main causes of damage to the plumbing lines. Follow a general rule of thumb: plant the trees at least 10 feet from your sewer and drain lines. If you are planting a tree species known for its large spreading roots, it is recommended to plant the tree 100 feet away from your plumbing line.

9. Ensure Regular Inspection and Maintenance

Get your plumbing system inspected by a professional on a regular basis. Schedule a plumbing service in Riverside, CA, at least once every year. It will help you ensure that your plumbing system is running well. Regular plumbing inspection and maintenance will also help you identify plumbing issues early. This will help you avoid spending on major repairs that usually occur when small problems go unnoticed. 

Taking care of your home plumbing is important to ensure that your home is in good condition. Follow the above-mentioned tips to avoid any significant plumbing issues and emergencies. For any plumbing repair, replacement, or installation work, get in touch with us at AiRight Cooling, Heating & Plumbing. Our team comprises the best plumbers in San Diego, no matter how complex your plumbing issue is, rest assured that we will solve it for you. To get in touch with us, call us or send us an email at team@airightservices.com.