We don’t mean to say that the most underappreciated system in your home is the plumbing, but let’s face it, it probably is.
It’s one of those modern conveniences we rely on each and every day without ever really thinking about it. But in not thinking about it, we could be making big mistakes that have dastardly consequences later on. Read on as we uncover some of the best and some of the worst ways to treat your plumbing system. And don’t hesitate to reach out when your system needs some professional help!
Drains
One of the best things you can do for the drains in your home is to prevent clogs. How do you do this? By knowing what not to put down the drains!
Don’t use chemical drain cleaners you can buy at the supermarket. They have caustic chemicals that can actually eat away at the lining of the pipe and cause leaks and ruptures.
Do call us when you have a drain clog that can’t be relieved by a plunger or basic drain snake. We can effectively eliminate the clog and prevent more from occurring without the use of chemicals.
Don’t pour FOG (fats, oils, and grease) down your kitchen sink drain. It hardens as it cools inside the pipes, creating blockages that will be stubborn to remove.
Do pour FOG into a disposable receptacle instead and throw it away once it cools and hardens.
Pipes
Do watch for signs of leaks, such as wet spots, the sound of running water, warm spots on the flooring, and high water bills with no clear explanation.
Don’t try to fix plumbing leaks on your own as it doesn’t address the route of the problem, which could be corroded pipes.
Do have routine plumbing maintenance done. Our team can inspect your drains and pipes to ensure everything is in good shape!
Don’t skip or delay plumbing repairs–you’ll regret it later!
Garbage Disposal
Don’t put foods down your kitchen sink drain that can actually damage or block up the garbage disposal system. This can include fruit pits, meat bones, potato skins, eggshells, and any food that expands with water like rice, pasta, and coffee grounds.
Do run hot water down the kitchen sink drain for about 30 seconds after using your garbage disposal.
Water Heater
Do invest in maintenance, whether you have a tank water heater or a tankless water heater. Both of these can suffer from scaling, which occurs as a result of hard water–water with a high level of minerals in it like calcium and magnesium.
Don’t brush off any fluctuations in the temperature of your hot water. It could signal a problem that needs to be fixed by a member of our team!
At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., your comfort is our promise! To set up an appointment in the Cedar Falls area, give us a call at the number above, email customerservice@daltonphc.com or schedule an appointment online for expert plumbing service in Waterloo, IA.