Water damage restoration is one of the most common services we get called out for, but there are ways to avoid needing an emergency plumbing service and a restoration company. Plumbing mishaps are, of course, just one cause of floods. However, a burst pipe or drain overflow can be quite disruptive. You can avoid needing a plumber or emergency restoration company with the following tips:
- Discard Fats, Oils, and Grease in the Trash: These may be a liquid when you pour them down your sink, but fatty materials become sticker and more solid as they cool. Inside your drain line, they stick to pipe walls and capture other debris to form a clog.
- Be Mindful of What You Flush: Flushing anything other than toilet paper down a toilet is one of the fastest ways to need an emergency plumbing professional. Never flush paper towels, personal hygiene products, or solid objects. Also, avoid sending “flushable” wipes down the toilet, as they don’t break down enough to avoid clogs (don’t use drop-in toilet bowl cleaners either).
- Know What Not to Put in the Garbage Disposal: The disposal may seem like a convenient way to get rid of all your food waste. However, it’s not suited for everything. Celery, banana peels, corn husks, and other fibrous fruits and vegetables should be thrown in the trash. Also, avoid putting eggshells, coffee grounds, onions, potatoes, and bones in your garbage disposal to prevent a clogged sink.
- Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners: Check the label if you use consumer drain cleaners. Many of them have harsh chemicals that can, aside from eating through clogs, cause pipe materials to deteriorate. A baking soda and vinegar mixture can be helpful for the occasional clog. However, if you have frequent clogs, it’s best to call a plumber to avoid bigger problems, and also consider routine plumbing inspections and preventative drain cleanings.
- Locate Your Water Shut-Off Valve: There are many ways to prevent or reduce the risk of plumbing problems. However, unexpected things do happen. If you know where the shut-off valve is and how to use it, you can act quickly to stop the flow when a pipe bursts. You may get away with sopping up the mess with some towels. This doesn’t avoid needing an emergency plumber but can avoid requiring a floor or ceiling replacement.
- Check for Leaks Regularly: Small leaks and even dripping faucets can waste hundreds of dollars. And no matter how small the amount of water leaking, it can do plenty of damage. A small leak, whether from a faucet handle, fridge, dishwasher, washing machine, or pipe connected to your sink or toilet, can precede a major plumbing failure. Also, check outdoor hoses and valves. Looking for leaks at least once a month can help you know when to call for minor repairs instead of an emergency plumbing service.
- Don’t Ignore Changes in Water Pressure: You don’t need to monitor your water pressure precisely (it can be different in every home). However, if water pressure drops significantly when you wash dishes or take a shower, check and clean faucet aerators if necessary. If that doesn’t help or you’re unsure why the pressure is dropping, you might have a pipe or water main break. Subtler changes in pressure can precede a major issue, so call a plumber before there’s an emergency.
- Schedule Routine Maintenance: You can do some plumbing maintenance yourself, such as winterizing outdoor pipes with insulation or draining and storing hoses indoors. However, a plumbing inspection allows a technician to do tasks that should be left to a professional; they can potentially diagnose a problem before it causes an emergency. Your water heater also needs maintenance. The tank should be flushed of sediment annually to prevent the tank from rusting, overheating, or cracking.
- Be Diligent About Wear and Tear: Pipes and plumbing fixtures have a finite lifespan and will begin to wear out at some point. Fortunately, most can be quickly and easily replaced by a professional. If you notice a fixture is malfunctioning or a pipe or other component appears worn out, schedule a repair. Otherwise, you may need to call an emergency plumbing service sooner than you think.
Call Restorerz to Minimize Property Damage in an Emergency
When your home or business is flooded, you may need more than emergency plumbing help. Water can do a lot of damage in little time and may trigger sanitary and safety concerns. Available 24/7, Restorerz – Emergency Services arrives quickly, provides a complete inspection, and has the expertise and equipment to quickly dry out and restore your property. Satisfaction is guaranteed, and we work with all insurance companies. Call (323) 366-3390 to get started.