It’s a quiet evening and you’re comfortably curled up with a good book or catching up on your favorite TV show. Suddenly you hear a strange gurgling sound from the bathroom and then a whoosh of water.
Your heart skips a beat as you rush to discover a plumbing disaster unfolding. Now you find yourself needing emergency plumbing services in Appleton, WI.
The good news is that real plumbing emergencies can often be avoided with a little proactive care and attention. Let’s look into some tips to help you steer clear of those plumbing disasters.
Be Gentle with Your Drains
It’s easy to take drains for granted but they have their limits. Avoid pouring cooking grease, oils and fats down the kitchen sink. Over time these substances can harden and block the drain. In the bathroom hair and soap scum can accumulate in the drain. This can also lead to clogs. Invest in drain guards or screens to prevent these materials from getting into your pipes.
Speaking of the bathroom, your toilet is not a magic disposal unit. It can handle toilet paper and human waste, but nothing more. Flushing items like baby wipes, feminine hygiene products or paper towels can lead to clogs and backups.
Don’t Turn a Blind Eye to Leaks
A small seemingly unimportant leak can quickly snowball into a plumbing emergency. Be aware and fix leaks as soon as you spot them. Leaky faucets, toilets and pipes may seem harmless at first, but they can cause water damage, mold growth and even structural issues. Remember that a timely repair can save you from a costly and messy ordeal down the road.
When you notice a decrease in water pressure, a toilet that’s slow to flush, or any unusual sounds in your plumbing, don’t procrastinate. Act swiftly to address the issue. Delaying repairs can turn a minor inconvenience into a full-blown emergency.
Heaters and Water Pressure
Neglecting your water heater can lead to issues like leaks, strange noises or even total breakdowns. Schedule an annual inspection to make sure your water heater is in good shape. Also consider draining and flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup.
High water pressure might seem like a luxury but it can create problems in your plumbing system. Excessive pressure can lead to burst pipes, leaks and premature wear and tear. Invest in a pressure regulator to make sure that your water pressure stays within a safe range. This is typically between 40 and 60 psi.
Invest in Regular Professional Inspections
While you can perform routine maintenance on your own, having a professional plumber inspect your plumbing system annually is a smart investment. They can identify potential issues before they become emergencies!
Plumbing emergencies can be stressful, costly and disruptive to your daily life. However, with some preventive measures and a keen eye for potential issues you can stay high and dry. Regular maintenance can keep your plumbing in tip-top shape, allowing you to enjoy your quiet evenings with peace of mind.