As plumbers in Gainesville, FL, our satisfaction comes from resolving issues for homeowners, such as clogged drain pipes or water leaks, and letting them get back to life as normal. Something that weighs on our minds, though, is that many of the common plumbing problems we encounter are preventable. What’s worse, when left untreated, minor issues can turn into costly plumbing repairs and replacements. So, as a way to help you avoid plumbing issues, we’ve compiled a few suggestions on how to prevent common problems.
How to Avoid Common Pipe Clogs
Clogs are a common result from buildup inside a drain pipe. If allowed to grow too large, a clog can cause a pipe to burst. For serious clogs, it’s best to call a Gainesville plumbing company so the pipe can be cleaned without risking further damage to the system. What most clogs have in common, though, is the material causing the blockage shouldn’t have gone in the pipe to begin with.
No Grease in the Sink
During cooking, grease is usually a liquid, so pouring it down the sink seems reasonable, but this is a mistake! Once it’s down the drain, the grease cools, congeals, and ultimately sticks to the walls of the pipes causing a blockage. So, the next time you have grease in your kitchen, instead of pouring it down the sink, let the grease cool to the side. Once it’s hardened, put the grease in a disposable container and throw it in the garbage.
Use the Garbage Disposal Sparingly
When plumbers are called, the garbage disposal is often the source of the issue. Contrary to its name, a garbage disposal is not designed to pulverize more than slight pieces of softer foods. Rather than tossing fibrous and large food items into the disposal, which can result in a clog, put these foods in a compost pile or garbage can.
No Debris in Toilets
The only items that should be flushed in a toilet include toilet paper and materials specially designed to break apart in the water. Foreign debris, such as paper towel, napkins, or cotton balls, aren’t designed to break down and could clog the toilet if flushed. Upon discovering that a wrongful item was flushed, call a plumber to clear the blockage, otherwise the pipe could burst.
If you have small children, we understand the difficulty of keeping toys, keys and other objects from being flushed. If you suspect a non-degradable item has been flushed, call us!
Ways to Prevent Leaky Pipes
Among the most common sources of Gainesville plumbing repairs are leaky pipes that went unaddressed for too long and then became bigger problems. So, as soon as a leak is discovered, a plumber should be brought in to address it. But there are steps you can take to prevent leaks altogether.
Use Natural Cleaners for Old Pipes
Conventional drain cleaners contain strong chemicals that can corrode the inside of older pipes and cause them to leak. A better solution for clearing old pipes is a natural drain cleaner, which contains enzymes that work slower but are less likely to cause corrosion. Of course, having a plumber clean the pipe is an even surer way to avoid excess damage.
Put Fewer Items Under the Sink
Among other purposes, the curved pipe under your sink is designed to capture items that fall past the drain, such as jewelry. As a result, the joints holding this curved piping in place are easily accessible. It happens, though, that while putting items under the sink, people bump and loosen the joints, causing a water leak. So, in addition to checking for leaks under the sink periodically, it’s wise to limit the amount of items you put there.
Flush Water Heater Annually
Water heaters are central to a comfortable home life, but mineral deposits can build in the tank and corrode its walls, causing the tank to leak or even burst. Flush the tank annually to remove mineral deposits is the way to prevent corrosion. While directions for flushing the water heater are usually in its owner’s manual, Gainesville plumbers also provide tank flushing services.
Address Water at the Toilet Base
Spotting water at the base of the toilet once could be due to splashing from the shower or tub, but water there repeatedly could indicate the toilet’s wax ring seal is worn out. While replacing the seal isn’t difficult, failure to do so could result in prolonged water damage, including mold and mildew, to the subflooring of the bathroom.
Hire Plumbers in Gainesville, FL
Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. provides home and commercial plumbing maintenance and repairs as well as 24-hour emergency services. From minor leaks and clogs to burst pipes and water heaters, our professional plumbers have the skills, tools, and experience to resolve plumbing issues satisfactorily. For proof of the superior work we do at Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc., view the testimonials we’ve received from residents and business owners in the Gainesville area. Contact us for plumbing services today!