We asked our Phoenix plumbers for some tips to share with our readers about keeping your pipes in tip-top shape so you can avoid having to give them a call.
1) No oil and grease
Oil and grease are enemies of your pipes as they can easily solidify and clog up your drains. A great option is to use old coffee cans or jars to store excess grease in a sealed container and then throw it out on trash day.
2) Scraps go in the trash
While fruit peels can make your garbage disposal smell better, they aren’t necessarily good for the life of your disposal. Most foods, like potato peels, for instance, cannot be broken down completely and end up causing issues down the road with buildup. If you must put scraps down the disposal, always have it running and don’t wait until the sink is full to turn it on.
3) Don’t put off the small things
Even a small issue like a dripping faucet will lead to bigger damage down the road if a homeowner ignores it. Not to mention the potential waste of money that can come from simple leaks.
4) Water heaters need love too
When was the last time you thought about your water heater? If you have thought about it at all, it was probably only because there was an issue. There are a few simple steps homeowners should do each year for basic maintenance including checking the anode for rust/oxidation and flushing the tank.
5) DIY isn’t always your friend
In this day of DIY, many homeowners try to tackle repairs themselves but often end up causing more damage than if they called a local Phoenix plumber in the first place. YouTube tutorials are helpful but can’t replace the skills of an experienced plumber so think twice before taking on repairs yourself.
6) Pipes need upgrading too
If you have an older home, consider having a local plumber come out to inspect your water lines to see if you might need to upgrade. Something as simple as an old rubber washer hose can cause a serious plumbing emergency but upgrading your water lines now could save you lots of headaches and money.
7) Know your home
The first step in a flood situation is to turn off the main water valve but not all homeowners know where it is. This valve is usually in the basement or on an outside wall in a utility area of the house. Turning off this valve (by turning it clockwise) cuts off the water supply to the entire house. Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with your plumbing system including testing the valve to make sure it will shut off in an emergency.
8) If in doubt…
Calling a local plumber if you aren’t sure how to proceed with a plumbing problem is your best bet. Even if you are concerned about cost, remember that ignored or improperly handled plumbing issues typically cause more serious issues in the long run.
The experts at Plumbing Masters are always here to help whatever your plumbing needs so call today at (602) 296-1127.
