The last thing any homeowner wants to deal with is a plumbing emergency. Whether it’s an overflowing toilet, burst pipe, or backed-up sewer line — plumbing emergencies are messy, disrupt your daily routine, and can cause costly damage to your home. Fortunately, most plumbing disasters are preventable with proper care and a few proactive measures.
For over 40 years, Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. has provided fast and reliable emergency plumbing repairs to homes and businesses throughout North Central Florida. Below, our Gainesville plumbers share a few practical tips to help homeowners avoid common plumbing emergencies!
Contact Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. today to schedule service from the most reliable plumbing company in town!
Be Mindful Of What You Can & Can’t Flush
Toilets are for flushing human waste and toilet paper — that’s it. Flushing anything else will lead to clogs and blockages that can back up your entire sewer line, potentially causing significant water damage to your home. The following are a few items that frequently cause home toilet clogs.
Never flush:
- “Flushable” wipes, baby wipes, wet wipes, etc.
- Diapers
- Feminine hygiene products
- Cat litter
- Paper towels
- Cotton balls
- Q-tips
- Dental floss
- Food
- Hair
Clogs are one of the most common causes of plumbing emergencies, frequently resulting in overflowing and back-ups. Have a clogged toilet? Don’t let it become an emergency — get in touch with Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. for professional toilet repair services!
Don’t Pour Fats, Oils, Or Grease Down The Sink
Our plumbers have years of experience servicing faucets and sinks, and one of the most common causes of sink clogs our team encounters is the improper disposal of fats, oils, and greases. Commonly abbreviated as FOG, the fats, oils, and grease left behind from cooking can create serious issues when poured down a sink. This is because, as FOG cools and solidifies, it can get stuck in your pipes and form serious blockages. A few common examples of FOGs that should never be poured down the drain include cooking oils, dairy products, peanut butter, cheeses, and any grease from fatty meats. Instead of pouring FOG down the sink, you should always dispose of it in a trash can. For hot grease, pour it into a disposable jar or metal can and let it cool before tossing it in the trash. Disposing of FOG properly will help you avoid sink clogs and prevent damage to your plumbing system that could result in an emergency.
Keep An Eye On Your Water Bill
One of the easiest ways to monitor your plumbing system’s health is by keeping an eye on your water bill. Why? Well, a sudden spike in your water bill without any notable changes in your water usage is often a sign that something’s wrong with your plumbing system. Some potential causes of increased water bills include:
- Leaky pipes
- Constantly running toilet
- Broken pipes
- A dripping faucet
- An unground sewer line leak
Leaks that happen in hidden places, such as behind walls, underground, or beneath your floors, can go unnoticed for weeks and cause significant damage to your home. To catch these leaks early and prevent a plumbing disaster, you should keep an eye on your monthly water bill and contact Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. if you notice anything out of the ordinary. Our plumbing camera inspections can help locate hidden leaks, allowing our plumbers to provide prompt and precise repairs!
Avoid DIY Fixes For Plumbing Issues
Look, we get it — quick fixes are tempting, and completing a DIY home repair project can feel incredibly satisfying. However, it’s typically best to avoid relying on DIY fixes for home plumbing problems. When it comes to servicing a plumbing system, even the smallest of mistakes can lead to a much bigger issue over time. For example, overusing harsh chemical drain cleaners can cause your pipes to corrode, potentially resulting in holes and damage that allow water to leak out. Our experienced plumbers, however, can provide professional drain cleaning services to remove stubborn clogs without using harsh chemicals or damaging your system. Next time you’ve got a plumbing problem, rather than taking a risk on DIY repairs, call in a professional who can address the issue properly.
Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is
In the event of a major plumbing emergency, such as a burst pipe, knowing the location of your main water shut-off valve is crucial in mitigating severe water damage. In Florida, because of the state’s warmer climate, the water shut-off valve is typically situated somewhere along the home’s exterior. If you can’t find yours, try following your home’s main water line, as the shut-off valve is often located near where the line enters your home. Once you’ve located your water shut-off valve, make sure everyone in your house knows where it’s located so they can turn off the water in the event of an emergency. Using your water shut-off valve at the first sign of a plumbing disaster can dramatically reduce the extent of the damage while you wait for an emergency plumber to arrive!
24/7 Emergency Plumbing Services In Gainesville, FL
Despite your best efforts, plumbing emergencies are still bound to occur from time to time — and when they do, you can count on Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. for quick and reliable repairs! We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services to homes and businesses throughout Gainesville and the surrounding areas. Whether it’s late at night or the middle of the work day, our emergency plumbers are available to help!
Call Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. today to schedule service or request emergency plumbing repairs!