Since 1946, Village Plumbing has provided installation, repair, and maintenance services in Houston. We’ve seen many trends and know that proper care will help your plumbing last. These 10 tips can avoid clogs, floods, water damage, and having to call a Houston plumber during dinner or in the middle of the night.
1. Don’t Ignore Small Problems
Big plumbing problems almost always start small. A slow drain, leaky faucet, or toilet that clogs repeatedly can lead to serious failures and thousands of dollars in repairs. For a professional, these are easy to fix. A hidden leak can compromise your floors, ceilings, or foundation, but a Houston plumber uses the latest leak detection equipment to find it. They will quickly discover the source of the problem and resolve the issue.
2. Insulate Your Pipes
Insulating your water lines is more affordable than dealing with frozen, leaking, or burst pipes. It’s a simple and time-tested concept you can take on yourself or hire a Houston plumber for. Insulation will protect pipes from the winter cold and prevent them from freezing. It can also keep your hot water warmer, improving efficiency and reducing energy costs.
3. Treat Your Garbage Disposal Well
A garbage disposal is a sensitive appliance. Items such as coffee grounds, fibrous vegetables, fruit pits, bones, and uncooked pasta can clog the disposal and create buildup in the drain line. Pouring oil or grease down may also require calling a Houston plumber to unclog the unit and possibly repair downstream pipes.
4. Conserve Water Every Day
In a changing climate, conserving water is more important than ever. It only requires small changes in your daily routine. Turn off the faucet when you brush your teeth or shave, take shorter showers, and use the dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand. Running the washing machine on a full load can conserve water. These steps can also reduce the demand on your plumbing system, extending the time between repairs.
5. Maintain Your Water Heater
Water heaters are costly to purchase, repair, and replace. Proper maintenance can reduce wear and tear and the need for repairs by a Houston plumber. It can even add years to the appliance’s life. Schedule annual maintenance that includes draining the tank of sediment. A water heater flush and tune-up can improve water quality, prevent corrosion, and avoid overheating. Buildup can lead to a tank rupture and, at the very least, will reduce capacity and cause the water heater to run more frequently.
6. Don’t Neglect Water Quality
People often don’t realize how much water quality affects their plumbing system. The water in your home may look okay, but impurities in hard water can cause issues. It has minerals that can build up in pipes, stain dishes, and make washing your skin and hair difficult. A Houston plumber can install a whole-home water filtration system to remove mineral content, chlorine, chemicals, and other compounds that reduce water quality.
7. Watch What You Flush
Nothing will require calling a Houston plumber faster than flushing the wrong items down your toilet. Paper towels, sanitary products, and solid objects can cause backups and pipe damage if flushed. Cleaning products labeled “flushable” should be tossed in the trash instead. Remind everyone at home not to flush anything other than toilet paper. Leave written reminders nearby if necessary.
8. Use Drain Guards
Drain guards protect your drains from hair, dirt, soap, grime, and other materials. These can build up in a drain or pipe over time and cause a stubborn clog. Fortunately, a drain guard is simple, affordable, and effective at trapping debris before it causes trouble.
9. Schedule Routine Plumbing Inspections
The message here is don’t only rely on a Houston plumber for emergencies. Your plumbing should be inspected by a professional once a year. They can find clogs, leaks, and equipment issues to fix to prevent major plumbing failures. Inspections can dramatically reduce long-term repair costs.
10. Leave Exposed Pipes Alone
Exposed pipes can seem convenient for hanging wet towels, clothes, or decorations. This is a bad idea because the extra weight can weaken joints and fittings. Leaving the pipes alone can avoid a messy failure that requires the immediate help of a Houston plumber.
Call Village Plumbing
Don’t wait for a big clog, backup, or flood to find a local plumber. Keep a Houston plumber’s number handy for when a plumbing emergency occurs. You can always trust Village Plumbing for prompt service and professional plumbing inspections and repairs. Our licensed technicians immediately address urgent issues and can prevent others in the future. Whether you’re looking for additional advice or require immediate service, call 713-526-1491 today.
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When it comes to maintaining your plumbing system and avoiding the need for a Houston plumber, implementing preventive measures is key. Here are 10 essential tips to help you avoid plumbing issues and potential water damage:
Regular Inspections: Conduct routine inspections of your plumbing system, including pipes, faucets, and fixtures. Look for signs of leaks, corrosion, or any other potential problems.
Proper Drain Usage: Avoid pouring grease, oil, coffee grounds, and other substances down the drains. Use drain strainers to prevent hair, food particles, and debris from clogging the pipes.
Prevent Frozen Pipes: During colder months, insulate exposed pipes and allow faucets to drip to prevent freezing. Frozen pipes can burst, leading to significant water damage.
Mindful Water Usage: Practice water conservation by fixing leaks promptly, using water-saving fixtures, and being mindful of excessive water usage.
Garbage Disposal Best Practices: Use your garbage disposal properly by avoiding overloading it and only disposing of suitable materials. Never pour grease or fibrous items down the disposal.
Be Cautious with Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals to clear clogs, as they can damage pipes. Instead, use natural or enzymatic drain cleaners or contact a professional plumber.
Water Heater Maintenance: Flush your water heater annually to remove sediment buildup and extend its lifespan. Inspect for leaks or any signs of damage regularly.
Avoid DIY Plumbing Repairs: While small repairs may be tempting to handle on your own, it’s best to leave plumbing repairs to professional plumbers. Incorrect repairs can lead to further damage and costly repairs.
Know Your Water Main Shut-Off Valve: Familiarize yourself with the location of the water main shut-off valve in case of emergencies. Shutting off the water quickly can prevent extensive water damage.
Professional Plumbing Inspections: Schedule regular plumbing inspections by a professional plumber. They can identify potential issues early on and provide necessary repairs or maintenance.
By following these tips, you can minimize the risk of plumbing problems and reduce the likelihood of water damage in your home. However, if you do encounter any plumbing issues that could potentially lead to water damage, don’t hesitate to contact a reputable water damage restoration company in Houston. Their expertise in water damage mitigation and restoration can help minimize the impact and ensure your home is restored to its pre-damage condition efficiently and effectively.
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