7 practical ways to prevent a plumbing disaster at home

Sometimes, you need to call in the experts, but sometimes, disasters happen at the worst time. You never know when a plumbing problem will force you to search out some plumber’s number. But in case you’re in a situation where calling someone over isn’t possible, there are ways you might be able to deal with your plumbing problems yourself.  This list can show you some practical steps to avoiding a plumbing problem.

Prevention is better than problems

Some habits can make sure you never have to call a plumber in the first place. One of these is to make sure you don’t drain fatty/oily foods down the sink. When you do try to drain that fatty oil off your plate, it’s going to coagulate in your pipes and block them, leading to the plumbing problem. Similarly, you might want to remember that “flushable” wipes don’t biodegrade quickly enough to avoid clogging your pipes. They’re better for the trash can.

Treat your pipes gently 

When it comes to exposed pipes, a lot of people hang clothes or towels off them. Some people even decorate their exposed pipes or use them like shelves. But this is going to strain the joints can lead to one nasty plumbing disaster.

Drop-in toilet bowl cleaners can cause plumbing problems

These toilet cleaners have led to more than one plumbing issue. They are corrosive and can void your warranty. Chlorine and elbow grease are much better ways to clean your toilet instead. In fact, most harsh chemicals can eat through your pipes. It’s best to not use them at all.

Getting a washing machine with a stainless-steel reinforced washing hose

Rubber washing machine hoses lose elasticity over time. This can put the pipe at risk of leaks and bursting. If you spend a little extra now to replace your hoses with stainless steel, you can save yourself a pretty penny later by preventing future flooding.

The garbage disposal isn’t meant for every food

It’s alluring to take the easy route and chuck all the uneaten food down the disposal. But the fact is, that can result in clogged pipes. If you want to avoid a plumbing disaster, remember that certain foods that belong in the trash or compost, not the disposal. Try not to test your pipes too much.

Know the location of your water shut off valve

If you do happen to have a burst pipe, knowing beforehand how to shut the water off to the house is key. It can mean the difference between a new ceiling or just a few wet towels.

Water heater tanks are not set it and forget it tools

Water tanks may come with an inner lining to prevent the tank from rusting, but sediment can build up in the tank and cause the heater to produce less hot water. This means the your tank will have to heat your water more frequently. If the tank is always running, it can overheat and crack the protective lining, causing a major leak. Contact a professional to flush your water heater yearly to avoid this disaster.