Don’t Let Plumbing Emergencies Sink You: Top 10 Tips from Conyers Plumbing
Plumbing emergencies can be costly, inconvenient, and downright frustrating. They can wreak havoc on your home and your wallet, but luckily, they can be avoided with a little bit of know-how. As a reliable plumbing company in Hillsborough County, FL, Conyers Plumbing has seen it all. Here are our top 10 tips to help you avoid plumbing emergencies.
Keep Your Drains Clean
Clogged drains are a common cause of plumbing emergencies. Buildup of hair, grease, soap, and other debris can cause your drains to back up, overflow, or even burst. Avoid clogs by keeping your drains clean. Use a strainer in your sink and bathtub to catch debris, and avoid pouring grease or oil down your drains.
Watch What You Flush to Prevent Plumbing Emergencies
Toilets are not designed to handle anything other than human waste and toilet paper. Flushing anything else, such as baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, or paper towels, can cause a blockage in your pipes. Always dispose of these items in the trash to avoid a plumbing emergency.
Fix Leaks Immediately
Even a small leak can turn into a big problem if left untreated. Over time, leaks can cause water damage, mold growth, and even structural damage to your home. If you notice a leak, no matter how small, call a professional plumber to fix it right away.
Maintain Your Water Heater
Your water heater is an essential component of your plumbing system. Without it, you wouldn’t have hot water for showers, dishes, or laundry. To avoid a water heater emergency, have your unit inspected annually by a licensed plumber. They can check for leaks, sediment buildup, and other issues that could cause your water heater to fail.
Know Your Shut-Off Valves
In the event of a plumbing emergency, it’s vital to know where your shut-off valves are located. This includes the shut-off valve for your main water supply, as well as individual shut-off valves for sinks, toilets, and appliances. Knowing how to turn off the water quickly can help minimize damage and save you money.
Be Aware of Overflows
If your toilet or sink is overflowing, turn off the water supply immediately to prevent further damage. You can do this by turning off the valve behind your toilet or under your sink. If you’re unable to stop the flow of water, call a professional plumber right away.
Insulate Your Pipes
In colder climates, frozen pipes can be a common plumbing emergency. The best way to prevent frozen pipes is to insulate them. This will keep them warm and help prevent them from freezing and bursting. Insulating your pipes can also help reduce your energy bills by keeping hot water hot as it travels through your home.
Don’t DIY
In today’s DIY culture, many homeowners attempt to tackle plumbing projects themselves. While some tasks may be doable for a DIYer, others require the expertise of a licensed plumber. Attempting to fix a plumbing problem yourself could result in a more significant issue, costing you more time and money in the long run. Instead, call a professional right away.
Hire a Professional to Fix Your Plumbing Emergencies
Regular maintenance and inspection by a licensed plumber can help prevent plumbing emergencies. They can identify and fix issues before they turn into a major problem, saving you time and money in the long run. If you haven’t had your plumbing system inspected in a while, call a professional plumber today.
