A little prevention can make a big difference in keeping your plumbing clean all year. Fred Marzouk, a 2007 summer’s day resident of Los Angeles, decided that Los Angeles needed a reliable and trustworthy Emergency Plumbing Disasters service. He noticed that most people were not satisfied with the services provided by plumbers and decided there was a need for a professional Los Angeles plumbing service. Here are some of our favorite smart tips to avoid having to call a plumber in an emergency.
To flush or not flush:
Toilet paper and bodily waste should never be flushed down the toilet. Solid waste such as diapers, feminine hygiene items, and paper towels, are not allowed to go down the toilet. They can cause blockages in drains. To avoid falling prey to the temptation to dump the wrong things in your toilet, have a trash bin in every bathroom.
Drop-in if you dare:
While no one enjoys cleaning their toilets by hand, drop-in cleaners that are placed in the tank or bowl of the toilet are not a good idea. They can cause damage to the pipes over time and prolonged exposure. Drop-in cleaners are not recommended by most manufacturers as they can damage the toilet’s mechanical parts. Drop-in cleaners can void some warranties.
Strain your drain:
To catch large pieces of food and other debris, place a strainer under your kitchen sink. Clogs can be caused by items like pasta, rice, coffee grounds, and grease. All of these should be thrown out in the trash or compost bin.
It’s hot:
Keep your heat on low when you are away from home, especially as the temperature drops in fall and winter. This will protect pipes, particularly those that are exposed under sinks or in older homes, from freezing and bursting when water flows through them again. Burst pipes can be more expensive than heating your home on low.
Check the hoses:
Rubber washing machine hoses can crack and become brittle. The hose should be replaced immediately if it bulges. You should check for leaks at least every six months. Leaks can lead to increased utility bills, reduced appliance operation, and mold problems.
Flood prevention:
You and your family should know the location of the main water shutoff valve so that they can turn off the supply in an emergency. This will prevent flooding or minimize property damage. It should be clearly marked and readily accessible. During renovations and extended vacations, the water supply should be turned off. Keep in mind that rubber washers on gate valves can become worn over time. This could mean it won’t shut off when it is needed. It is best to test it by turning off the main water valve. If water is leaking around the handle, it’s time to replace it.
Pipes are not for hanging:
Perhaps it’s because they are so close to dryers or washers in unfinished basements that homeowners use exposed pipes to hang their wet clothes. Pipes aren’t made to hold a lot of weight and certainly not from drying clothes in a row. They could burst or disconnect.
Sump and backwater:
A backwater valve is a smart idea in flood-prone areas. It can stop sewage from backing up into your basement. Sump pumps are a good idea. They push out the water from your basement that has collected from weeping tiles.
The exterior of the house:
Problems with plumbing don’t only happen in your home. You should check your outdoor faucets every now and again to ensure they aren’t leaking or causing water pooling. Once it gets cold, shut off the water line to the outdoor hosebib and drain it to prevent freezing.
