Use These Tips to Prevent Plumbing Issues
The holiday season is all about enjoying great food and quality time with friends and family—not dealing with a plumbing emergency like a clogged drain, leaky pipe, or broken water heater. Homeowners can help avoid these issues with essential plumbing maintenance tasks. This post will explain how to help keep a home’s plumbing system running smoothly and safely throughout the season.
How to Avoid Clogged Sewer Lines and Toilets
A clogged toilet or clogged sewer line can quickly damper a holiday gathering. During the season, the risk of clogs increases as more guests use the bathrooms and the kitchen.
To help prevent these issues and keep the holidays festive, homeowners should be mindful of what goes down the drains and ensure only human waste and toilet paper are flushed down toilets. Things like paper towels, wipes, feminine hygiene products, and dental floss belong in the trash, as they can cause clogs.
When cooking, avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease down the kitchen sink drain. When these materials solidify, they can cause stubborn clogs. Instead, collect grease in a container and dispose of it once it cools and hardens.
Additionally, avoid putting items like coffee grounds, bones, pasta, and eggshells down the drain, as these items are also common culprits of blockages.
By following these simple preventive measures, homeowners can reduce the risk of sewer line clogs, sewage backups, and more, keeping their plumbing system running smoothly throughout the busy holiday season. If a clog does occur, a plumber should be called for drain cleaning.
Benefits of Performing Regular Plumbing Maintenance
Never put off routine plumbing maintenance. It helps prevent emergencies and plumbing nightmares. This maintenance includes checking for leaks, clearing drains, and ensuring that water heaters and pipes are working properly. It allows plumbers to inspect the system, spot potential issues, and make necessary repairs before they become major problems.
During the maintenance visit, plumbers can spot early indicators of leaks, corrosion, and worn-out parts. They can fix these issues before they lead to costly repairs or breakdowns, extending the lifespan of the plumbing. Regular plumbing maintenance also helps the system run more efficiently. This can reduce water usage and lower bills. Investing in routine maintenance services can lead to significant benefits for homeowners.
Why Schedule Water Heater Maintenance
Most households rely on a steady hot water supply when preparing holiday meals or hosting guests. If the water heater suddenly stops working, it can significantly inconvenience homeowners during the holidays.
Regular water heater maintenance can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensure reliable hot water access. During appointments, plumbers will:
- Flush and drain the tank to remove sediment that can affect the water heater and cause inefficiency, ensuring a steady hot water supply and lower costs.
- Replace the anode rod if needed to prevent water heater corrosion.
- Extend the water heater’s lifespan by addressing problems before they worsen.
By scheduling annual maintenance, homeowners can keep their plumbing systems and water heaters in optimal condition, ensuring both comfort and savings throughout the year.
About Universal Plumbing
The experts at Universal Plumbing provide quality plumbing services to Augusta-Richmond County. With more than 100 years of combined experience, they offer after-hours emergency services. Call them today for plumbing repairs and maintenance in Augusta, GA.