Home emergency plumbing situations can be a nightmare. No one ever wants a blocked or overflowing toilet. Unfortunately, several plumbing situations are a nuisance and can cause additional damage to the home. And the repairs are often expensive.

Preventative maintenance minimizes the risks to a home’s plumbing system and can help save a homeowner money in the long run.

Pay attention to what goes down the drains

Numerous items can collect in sewer lines that can slow the water flow or block it altogether.

Food waste like leftover food, cooking oil, and fruit or vegetable peels should not be pushed down the kitchen sink’s drain, even if a garbage disposal is attached.

Bathroom drains are often blocked by hair, soap scum, and other oily beauty products used to moisturize skin.

Nothing but toilet tissue should be flushed down the toilet. Tissues, sanitary napkins, wipes, and other trash must be thrown in the waste bin to prevent messy, costly clogs.

Cleaning the drains

Adopting good habits regarding what does and doesn’t go down a home’s drains is the best defense against clogged drains. However, they happen, and how a homeowner manages that blockage can help or cause more problems.

Professional plumbers advise against using chemical-based cleaning products to unclog drains as they can do more harm than good. Though the results are quick, some products affect the pipes because of their chemical composition. Try natural products instead, or regularly flush drains with baking soda and boiling water.

Leaking faucets

Leaking faucets and shower heads are a problem. Not only is water wasted, but leaks can also be indicative of a more significant problem in the plumbing system. Check faucets and pipes under the sinks weekly for drips or damp spots; if any are identified, hire a plumber to fix the leak as soon as they can schedule an appointment.

Burst pipes

Incorrect installation, unprotected pipes, age, misuse, or damage, are some reasons for burst pipes. This plumbing issue can paralyze or cause damage to the entire water system when left unattended.

Tree root inclusion

Whenever trees are in the front yard, there is an opportunity for tree root inclusion. As tree roots grow, they may intersect with a home’s sewer line and create a crack compounded by a block. The tree root slows the water’s progress to the municipal sewer lines.

Plumbers can use snake cameras to check the status of a home’s drainage system yearly to identify any breaks in the line caused by tree roots. These cameras offer a detailed view allowing the plumber to pinpoint the location’s damage to minimize the digging needed to make the necessary repairs.

Hire a professional plumber

Plumbing problems often occur in old houses due to aging pipes and other plumbing fixtures. Sometimes homeowners make repairs themselves, but with little assurance. Plumbing fixes are delicate and must be handled carefully to avoid other issues. Though homeowners can and should know some basic plumbing fixes, major plumbing projects need an expert’s touch.

That’s where plumbers come into the picture. It’s best to schedule regular plumbing check-ups to avoid unnecessary major, costly plumbing issues.

If you need an honest, dependable plumber in the Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe or Chandler area, call Jimmy at 480-757-1273.