Putting a Stop to Plumbing Leaks, Clogs and Flooding

You rely on your home’s plumbing system to support daily chores and plumbing fixtures, but potential problems can hide everywhere. Thankfully, you can avoid obstructions, leaking and water damage with a little regular upkeep. Here’s the way to keep your plumbing in check and your stress in check.

Spot and Avoid Leaking

Most of your home system of plumbing pipes and fixtures is out of sight, so dripping pipes often go unnoticed until they cause major problems. Regularly checking for leaks can help you spot trouble before it gets worse. Here are some ideas for you to try:

• Check under the sink for signs of damp spots, rotting wood or mold growth.
• Be on the lookout for tiny leaks in any of your toilets by squeezing some drops of dye to the tank. If the color shows up in the bowl after 30 minutes without flushing, you’ve got a leak.
• Check around and behind your kitchen appliances, including the dishwasher or washing machine, for signs of water damage or leaks.
• Have a professional perform a water meter test.
  • To get started, shut off all water in your home via the main water lines.
  • Then, head outside to read the water meter. Verify the reading again in two hours, and make sure not to use any water before the second reading.
  • If the reading changes, there is a leak somewhere.

Use Drain Strainers

An easy method to avoid a clog is to place sink strainers over your kitchen and shower drains. They collect hair, pieces of soap, old toothpaste and other debris as water runs down the drain. these strainers to keep your drains working properly.

Know What Not to Flush

Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper. Here’s what you should never flush:

• Wet wipes
• Paper towels
• Soft cotton
• Sanitary products
• Baby diapers
• Dental floss
• Expired medication

Understand What Shouldn’t Be Rinsed

A lot of sinks in the kitchen may be outfitted with a garbage disposal, but several things still should go in the trash or compost heapp, not rinsed down the drain, including:

• Grease, oil and cooking fat
• Tough foods like corn husks and stalks of celery
• Old food like steamed rice or coffee grounds
• Solid objects like gristle and bones
• Things that aren’t food. Silverware and other small items may end up in the disposal and damage something when you turn it on.

Invest in a Sump Pump

Installing a sump pump can really help prevent floods, especially in regions prone to heavy rainfall. This device removes water that gathers in the sump basin, generally installed in the floor of your basement, and pumps it out away from the house. If you already have a sump pump, test it regularly by dumping some water into the pit. If the pump activates and the pit drains, you’re good to go. If it doesn’t seem to be working properly, you have time to call a professional to service your sump pump before the next big storm.

Find the Main Shutoff Valve

Being knowledgeable about your plumbing system means knowing how to find your main water shutoff valve. This valve regulates water flowing into your home, so knowing where it is means you can turn it off quickly in a plumbing emergency. It’s also wise to shut off this valve before traveling for an extended period. Common locations for the main shutoff valve include the basement, near the water heater, in a utility closet or outside the home buried underground.

Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing

In colder climates, helping protect the plumbing pipes is crucial to prevent freezing and bursting. Here are some tips:

• Insulate pipes in purely functional/utility spaces like the basement, garage or attic using foam tubing or heating tape.
• Unhook garden hoses from the spigots attached to your plumbing throughout the winter to stop ice from forming inside the pipes.
• Keep under-sink cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.

Add a Backflow Valve

Experienced plumbers often suggest that homeowners set up a backflow valve in the basement floor drain to prevent sewage from backing up into their homes after heavy rainfall. Local expert plumbers can fit this strong layer of protection against sewage backflow.

Put in Flood Alarms

Similar to how smoke alarms are essential for fire safety, flood alarms help prevent water damage. These wired or battery-operated devices sense pooling water at the earliest stages of flooding or leaks, sounding an alarm to inform you. For enhanced protection, integrate smart flood alarms into your home security system. This sends a notification on your phone after water is detected, allowing you to resolve leaking pipes before they cause significant damage.

Work with a Reliable Plumber

While you can carry out these and other preventive steps on your own to help prevent clogs, leaks and damage from floods, it’s never a bad idea to have Expert local plumbers to keep things flowing smoothly. That’s where Xtra Mile excels. We work with some of the best plumbers supporting U.S. homeowners from coast to coast with service backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

If you’re not completely happy with our services after one year, we will do everything we can to make it right. This industry-leading dedication shows how we deliver total comfort and peace of mind in your life. For some of the best plumbing service that exceeds expectations, please contact us today.