One of the main household features that
many of us tend to take for granted is our plumbing. Yet the reality is that
without it, we would have to put a lot more effort into doing things like
cleaning our dishes, our clothes, and even ourselves. That's why it's so
important to do all that you can to protect your pipes and drains.
If you'd like a few suggestions on how
you can do that without the assistance of a professional plumber, this article
is going to provide you with five tips that will keep your plumbing in pristine condition year-round:
Watch what you put down the
drain. Although
your plumbing is made to handle some of the fluids that you pour down it, there
are certain kinds that can lead to major clogs or other plumbing problems. So
if you want to keep your plumbing system running smoothly, avoid putting things
like cooking oil, butter, animal fat, sauces, or harsh chemicals down your
sinks. When it comes to these items, it's best to put them into the refrigerator
so that they can solidify, scooping them out of the pot or pan and then putting
it into a trash bag.
Add some boiling water. If you happen to forget the first tip on
occasion, you're not alone. The good news is that in most cases, a clogged
drain is fairly easy to fix. All you have to do is pour a pot of boiling water
down it. For extra difficult clogs, first pour a cup of dish detergent down the
drain and then follow it up with some boiling water. The detergent loosens the
clog and the hot water dissolves it.
Use a wet-dry vacuum. So, what do you do if the drain in your
bathtub has a ton of hair inside of it? Although that can be frustrating, it's
not that hard to get rid of the hair. Just use a wet-dry vacuum. The best way
to protect the drain is to put an attachment on your wet-dry vacuum and put it
on top of your drain every 3-4 weeks. Your drain will be hairless and the water
will flow out quickly every time you take a shower.
Try a plunger. If you were to ask someone who works at a
plumbing company like Northeast Plumbing & Mechanical about something that you can do to
protect your plumbing, you might be surprised by the advice that they give you.
By using a plunger on your toilet or even your kitchen and bathroom sinks, you
can keep everything running smoothly. For tips on how to use a plunger
properly, visit Horizon Services Inc. and put "how to use a plunger to
unclog" in the search field.
Winterize your pipes. One thing that you definitely do not want
to happen is to have a pipe crack or burst during the winter season. Yet
sometimes that's exactly what transpires when temperatures drop well below
freezing. You can prevent this from being an issue by insulating your pipes
with foam or fiberglass and also letting a slight stream of water flow at
night. For thorough instructions on how to insulate your pipes, visit DIY
Network and put "insulate pipes" in the search field.
