You should always contact a plumber to fix plumbing problems in your home. However, you also have a role to play regarding routine plumbing maintenance. Maintaining your plumbing system in good shape doesn't have to be expensive. Actually, it's more manageable because you just need to ensure the plumbing fixtures and pipes are working and well-maintained. Any homeowner who overlooks proper maintenance experiences plumbing problems from time to time. Any responsible homeowner should do the following to maintain their plumbing in excellent shape.
Keep an Eye on Leaks
Leaks are some of the most devastating plumbing problems you can experience in your home. Unfortunately, most people don't regularly check whether their pipes are leaking. You can experience leaks in your home if the connections are loose or pipes are corroded. Most leaks begin as minor drips but can become major leaks with time. So check for minor leaks under the sinks and hire a plumber to fix them before they worsen. Don't ignore those damp floors, walls, or even puddles because they could indicate hidden leaks. Increased meter readings could also indicate leaks, mainly if water usage in your home hasn't increased.
Check Your Sewer Lines Regularly
Your sewer lines or septic tank should also be properly maintained to avoid plumbing problems. People who ignore their sewer lines experience unexpected sewage backups that make their homes look messy. If you have a septic tank, you should pump it regularly to maintain it in good working order. However, how often you pump it may depend on certain factors like its size and the number of users. The sewer lines should be inspected regularly and cleaned when necessary. Maintaining clear sewer lines is usually easier if you are keen on what you flush down the drain. Always avoid items that may cause slow draining or completely block the flow.
Use Your Garbage Disposal Properly
If you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen, you should use it properly to avoid plumbing problems. Ensure you only put safe items in the appliance. Although garbage disposal is designed to handle food items, you shouldn't allow some in it. So you need to read the user's guide properly or seek help from a plumber to ensure you always use it properly. It's usually advisable to avoid nuts, bones, coffee grounds, and fruit pits because they easily damage the blades. You shouldn't also put rice, potato peels, eggshells, and grease in your garbage disposal because they significantly affect or compromise its functionality.