If you’re a homeowner, there’s a good chance you’ve had to deal with a plumbing issue at some point. Whether it’s a clogged drain or a leaky faucet, plumbing problems can be a pain to deal with. But there are a few things you can do to prevent plumbing issues from happening in the first place. Here are the top 5 plumbing tips every homeowner should know from plumber in Penang:
1. Never pour grease or oil down the drain.
Grease and oil can clog your drains and cause serious plumbing problems. Instead, dispose of grease and oil in a container and throw them in the trash.
Use strainers in your sinks to catch hair and other debris. This will prevent clogs and help your drains stay clear.
Don’t flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. Flushing anything else, such as feminine hygiene products, paper towels, or diapers, can clog your toilet and cause serious plumbing problems.
Never use chemical drain cleaners on your plumbing. Chemical drain cleaners are harsh and can damage your pipes. If you have a clog, try using a plunger or a plumber’s snake before using chemicals.
2. Use strainers in your sinks to catch hair and other debris.
One of the most crucial plumbing tips every homeowner should know is to use strainers in their sinks. Strainers help to catch hair and other debris before it has a chance to clog your pipes. Clogged pipes can lead to major plumbing problems and can be very costly. Using strainers can help keep your pipes clear and save you a lot of money in the long run.
Different strainers are available, so choosing the right one for your sink is essential. If you have a lot of hair in your sink, you may want to select a mesh strainer. These strainers have small holes that allow water to pass through but catch hair and other debris. You can choose a wire strainer if your sink has less hair. These strainers have larger holes and can be more effective at catching smaller pieces of debris.
It’s essential to clean your strainers regularly. Hair and debris can build up over time, making them less effective. It would be best to clean your strainers at least once a week. To clean them, remove them from your sink and rinse them off with warm water. You can also soak them in vinegar and water to help break down any build-up.
JB plumber suggests that using strainers is one of the best ways to keep your pipes clear and prevent clogs. Following this simple tip can save you time, money, and hassle.
3. Don’t flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet.
If you’ve ever experienced a clogged toilet, you know how frustrating it can be. And often, the cause of a clogged toilet is flushing items other than toilet paper. So, to avoid a plumbing nightmare, only flush toilet paper.
Here are some items that you should never flush down the toilet:
1. Feminine hygiene products: These items can quickly cause a clog, so it’s best to dispose of them in the trash.
2. Baby wipes: Even if labelled as “flushable,” they’re not meant to be flushed and can cause clogs.
3. Cotton balls can absorb water and expand, causing a clog.
4. Hair: This is a common cause of clogged toilets, so be sure to dispose of hair in the trash.
5. Paper towels: These are too thick to be flushed and will cause a clog.
6. Cat litter: This can absorb water and expand, leading to a clog.
7. Grease: This can solidify in your pipes and cause a clog.
8. Flushable wipes: These may be labelled as “flushable”, but they can still cause clogs.
If you accidentally flush one of these items down the toilet, don’t despair. There are a few things you can do to try to clear the clog yourself. First, try using a plunger to see if you can dislodge the item. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a plumber’s snake to clear the clog. You may need to call a plumber to clear the clog if all else fails.
4. Never use chemical drain cleaners on your plumbing.
According to KL1 Plumber, chemical drain cleaners are some of the worst things you can use on your plumbing. The chemicals in these products are designed to eat away at organic materials, which can also seriously damage your pipes. Using a chemical drain cleaner is one of the most common ways to cause severe plumbing damage.
If your drain is clogged, there are much safer and more effective ways to clear it than using a chemical drain cleaner. For example, you could try using a plunger or a plumbing snake. If you use a chemical drain cleaner, you risk damaging your pipes and causing a leak.
In addition to damaging your pipes, chemical drain cleaners can also harm your health. The chemicals in these products can cause burns, respiratory problems, and even blindness if they come into contact with your skin or eyes. If you must use a chemical drain cleaner, wear gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself.
If you’re having problems with your drains, the best thing to do is to call a plumber. Plumbers have the training and experience necessary to safely and effectively clear clogged drains. Trying to fix the problem yourself with a chemical drain cleaner is more likely to cause more harm than good.
5. Know where your main water shut-off valve is located.
Your home’s main water shut-off valve is one of the important fixtures in your home, and you must know where it is located. If a pipe bursts or you have a plumbing emergency, quickly shutting off your home’s water supply can help minimise damages.
The main water shut-off valve is usually located near the water meter or where the main water line enters your home. In some homes, the shut-off valve may be found in the basement or crawl space.
If you’re unsure where your home’s main water shut-off valve is, you should ask your plumber or a local handyman. They should be able to help you locate it. Once you know where it is, mark it so you can easily find it in an emergency.
Knowing the location of your home’s main water shut-off valve is an integral part of being a responsible homeowner. Be sure to take the time to find out where it is located and how to use it properly.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you never have to use these tips, but it’s always good to be prepared. If you have a plumbing issue, following these tips will help minimise the damage and get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.