Caring for your home’s plumbing system is essential to preventing floods and other disasters. Many homeowners fail to clean their pipes regularly and others are not sure how to care for their plumbing system. If you want to avoid a costly plumbing disaster, you need to know how to prevent issues from happening. Here are some great tips to help you get started in caring for your home’s plumbing system.

Throw it Away

Too many people use the garbage disposal like a garbage can. Instead of overusing your garbage disposal and letting all your food bits go down the drain, throw them in the trash. Never dump grease down the drain because it will gradually clog up the pipe. Use a drain cover on your shower to reduce the amount of hair and other things that could go down the drain. Preventing clogs from hair and food particles is one of the easier things a homeowner can do to keep a plumbing system working.

Clean the Drain

How often do you find yourself cleaning out your drain? If you aren’t cleaning the drains with basic baking soda and vinegar at least once a month, grease, soap, hair, and other things will start to build up in the drainage system. It helps to clean out the drains at least once a month to keep pipes flowing. Chemical drain cleaners can work effectively on tough clogs and do a great job at keeping the drains clean. Just know that harsh chemicals can erode the pipes in older homes. Hiring a professional at least once a year to perform hydro-jetting services is a great way to keep the pipes nice and clean.

Fix the Issues

No matter how new your home is, there are some common plumbing issues that everyone needs to watch out for. An overflowing toilet is a concern that can cause serious water damage. Use a toilet plunger to help move the blockage out of the toilet line. A toilet auger can work effectively if the plunger is unable to fix the clog. Hire a professional if you are still unable to get the toilet to flush properly. If you have a simple issue like a leaky faucet or an odd-sounding dishwasher or disposal, have them repaired. These little odd noises and issues are usually the warning signs of serious problems. Repairing a small problem early on will help you avoid flooding and other serious disasters.

Inspect the Pipes

The cold winter weather can take its toll on many plumbing systems so it’s important to insulate your pipes. Always insulate pipes that are in areas where it is difficult for the heating system to supply hot air. Garages, crawl spaces, and basements tend to have the majority of issues especially burst pipes. Keep a slow drip on one of your faucets in the winter so water is always moving through the line. Open doors to rooms that do not have heater outlets so the pipes can stay warmer. If you have a pipe leaking, contact a professional plumbing agency to come and replace it.

This article was written by Dillon Pentz, a home renovator, freelance blogger and DIY enthusiast. Dillon hopes to give people helpful information on home projects and recommends contacting a professional like those at Southern Plumbing for your plumbing issues.