Plumbing Tips for Homeowners

As a homeowner, you can save money and avoid inconvenience by learning how to care for your home’s systems, including your plumbing system. A few basic plumbing tips will help you prevent clogs, leaks, and other issues as well as manage any problems that do arise.

Caring for Your Plumbing

Install a drain strainer over your tub and sink drains to catch hair, soap scum, food waste, and other debris that would otherwise increase the risk of clogs. Clean the strainers weekly.

Never flush tissues, cotton balls, feminine hygiene products, or anything else that wasn’t designed to go in the toilet. These items are liable to cause toilet clogs. Never pour grease down your kitchen sink drain because it’s highly likely to clog. Avoid grinding fibrous material, such as banana peels, in the garbage disposal and clean the disposal regularly.

Schedule a professional plumbing inspection once every year. A professional can spot developing problems, such as a sewer blockage or a pipe at risk for breaking, and make necessary repairs before things get worse.

Solving Your Plumbing Problems

If your toilet clogs, close the shut-off valve and allow the water to recede. Check for any object, such as a washcloth, that may have fallen in. If you find nothing, position a plunger over the drain hole so that half the rubber cup is under water and a tight seal is created. Plunge with alternating deep and shallow plunges. For more stubborn clogs, try a plumber’s snake. If that doesn’t work, call a plumber so you don’t push the clog in further.

Shower heads sometimes become clogged with mineral deposits and begin to spray unevenly. You can solve this problem by removing the shower head and soaking it in vinegar overnight.

If your dishwasher leaks or won’t drain, check the drain hose under the dishwater and straighten out any kinks. If the hose is damaged, however, replace it or contact a plumber to do the job.

For more pro plumbing tips and help with maintenance, contact us at Beyer Boys in the San Antonio area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater San Antonio, Texas area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “VGstockstudio/Shutterstock”

Get Service Calls

Hvac Technician Near Me - HVAC Refrigeration Systems

Get Service Calls