Being forced to call in emergency plumbing is something most homeowners in San Diego dread, and it’s easy to see why. Plumbing malfunctions tend to be gross, hugely inconvenient, notoriously difficult to diagnose, and may stem from deeper issues that require costly and time-consuming repairs.
Luckily for you, you can completely avoid most of these problems and keep your drains and faucets running perfectly all year long by performing regular maintenance and avoiding some common practices that can damage your plumbing system over time.
We previously discussed some of the most frequently-encountered plumbing issues and explained when you should call in emergency plumbers. In this article, we’ll give you some plumbing maintenance advice that will help you prevent serious problems with your plumbing system. Keep reading to learn more.Â
How to prevent plumbing problems?
It goes without saying that you should schedule a professional checkup of your plumbing system at least once every 2 years. Expert plumbers have performed thousands of these inspections and know exactly how to identify future problems and keep your pipes and sewerage system in good condition.
Here are 4 things you can do to prevent plumbing malfunctions:
1. Get some drain screens
Metal or plastic drain screens cost very little and can easily be placed in the bathtub, kitchen, and shower sinks to keep hair, debris, food particles, and tiny items such as jewelry from getting inside the drain.
2. Use hose screens on your washing machine
Get some cheap hose screens and install them on the cold and hot water hoses on your washing machine. This will prevent sediment buildup from clogging the washing machine’s valves and pumps. Just remember to check the hose screens (and replace them if necessary) once or twice a year.
3. Refrain from pouring cooking grease into the drain
Cooking grease hardens as it cools. Over time, it can clog a drain and lead to expensive repairs. Instead, pour it in an empty juice or milk carton and throw it in the trash.
4. Avoid flushing flushable wipes
Although flushable wipes are designed to break down in sewer water, this process can still take a long time. As a result, flushing a lot of wipes can clog your pipes and even your septic tank. A clog in your septic tank is especially dangerous because it can lead to serious pipe and tank damage over time.
How do you keep old pipes from clogging?
A great way to keep old pipes in working condition and also do so in an eco-friendly manner is to give them a baking soda treatment once a month. You can do this by sprinkling about 1/4 cup of baking soda into the drains and following it up with some warm water.
Afterward, add a cup of white vinegar and leave it overnight before flushing the drain using hot water. Doing this on a monthly basis will keep your drains in good condition without the need for toxic and costly drain opener chemicals.
Where can I find a reliable emergency plumbing service in San Diego?
Are you currently dealing with a plumbing emergency that needs immediate attention? Or maybe you’ve recently had a fire at your property in East Village and you’re looking for skilled fire and smoke remediation and restoration experts?Â
Whatever your plumbing, water, mold, smoke, and fire-related problems may be, you can’t go wrong by reaching out to Risk Free Serv. We’re a fully certified and insured company that offers its clients first-rate emergency plumbing repairs, free fire damage assessments, mold remediation and removal, and more. Get in touch with us today.Â