Living in a home comes with many responsibilities and keeping up with the plumbing is one of them. However, there are often little secrets that plumbers keep from homeowners that could prevent major plumbing mishaps and save them money.
For example, did you know that “flushable” wipes can actually clog pipes because they don’t break down the same way toilet paper does?
Your water pressure isn’t what it used to be.
If you notice low water pressure, there are a few things that can cause it. The most obvious is a leak. Leaking pipes can cause low water pressure because the water is being drained out of the pipe instead of traveling through it. You can check for a leak in your home by walking around and listening for hisses or bubbles. You can also look for puddles and wet spots that have suddenly appeared. If you find a leak, turn off your water at the main house shutoff valve, and call a plumber right away.
Another common culprit is a clogged pipe. This could be from all of the hair, gunk, grease, and food that moves through your lines every day, or it may be from a blockage further along in the system. If you suspect this is the case, try cleaning out your drains with baking soda and white vinegar or a homemade solution. If this doesn’t solve the problem, it may be time to call a plumber.
Other factors that affect water pressure include elevation and how much demand there is on the water system at a given time. Elevation plays a role because water must work against gravity to reach homes on hills or higher floors of buildings. Similarly, old or smaller service lines can lead to lower water pressure because the lines can’t handle as much water at once.
It’s also possible that the water line running into your house is shared with a neighbor. If so, you’ll likely see your water pressure drop when they take a shower or wash their car. While this isn’t something you can control, it’s worth checking with your neighbors to see if they’re having the same issue.
You can test your home’s water pressure by purchasing a pressure gauge at a hardware store. Connect it to your spigot and check the reading to see what the pressure is. If it’s low, this is a sign that there’s an issue with your pipes or the water supply itself. If the pressure is fine, it’s likely just a matter of contacting your local water company and asking about any reported issues, or seeing if Chesapeake plumbers could help.
Your pipes aren’t for hanging things.
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that hanging things like pressed clothes or wet towels from exposed pipes in their basement isn’t a good idea. Even though these are lightweight items, the cumulative weight of multiple hangers can cause the pipe to burst. And, a bursting pipe means costly water damage and plumbing repair.
If you have a newer home, it’s likely that there are individual shutoff valves for each incoming water line. It’s important that you know how to turn these off quickly, especially if you’re having problems with your water system.
Another handy plumbing tip is to keep lemon peels out of your garbage disposal. While the peels might smell nice, they make garbage disposals jam more quickly and can cause them to overflow. Instead, put the peels in your trash can with celery and potato peels, where they belong. This is one of the secrets plumbers don’t tell you, but it’s an easy way to save yourself money on plumbing repair costs.
Your toilet isn’t for flushing things
The toilet is not a place to flush toys, floss or even tampons. If these things find their way into your drains, it can lead to clogs and costly repairs. It’s a good idea to have a plunger and a drain snake on hand so you can quickly clear any debris that might be blocking your pipes.
Inside the tank of your toilet is a flapper and a chain that connects to it. When you flush the toilet, the movement of the handle pulls the chain, lifting up the flapper and allowing all the water in the tank to pour into the bowl at once. If this chain is old or damaged, or if the flapper isn’t in the proper position, your toilet won’t properly fill after every flush. If you’re constantly having to jiggle the handle, it’s probably time to replace this component.
Your toilet’s jets shoot water into the bowl to help flush waste down the drain. If these are clogged with mineral deposits, it can cause your toilet to flush slowly. It’s a good idea to use a drain cleaner on a regular basis to prevent these from building up, and to keep your pipes in tip-top shape.
Some people think that “flushable” wipes and other products are safe to flush, but they’re not. Floss, tampons and even moist toilet paper can all clog your drains if they’re not broken down in the water treatment plant before they go into your sewer lines.
Your drains aren’t for cleaning.
In your busy life, your home’s drains and plumbing aren’t at the forefront of your mind. You’re taking kids to school and practices, going to work, and cooking and cleaning for your family. But the state of your drains can affect all of those things, especially if they start to slow down or back up. It’s important to keep them clean and in good working condition to prevent costly repair bills.
Clogged or slow-moving drains are the perfect habitat for bacteria and other microorganisms, which will create a foul smell in your home. These organisms break down organic material and create a dark, moist environment that can cause serious damage to your pipes and your home’s structure. They can also affect your health, causing illness and even death in extreme cases.
Another problem with clogged or slow-moving drains is that they can attract insects and other pests to your home. This is particularly a problem in warmer months, when clogged drains can quickly turn into breeding grounds for pests like flies and mosquitoes.
The best way to avoid clogs and slow-moving drains is to monitor what you put into them. Use basket strainers in your sink and tub drains to catch hair, food waste, and other items that can clog them. Keep stringy foods in the garbage disposal instead of down the drain. Don’t flush “flushable” wipes down the toilet; they don’t break down and will clog your drains.
If you’re noticing signs of a clogged or slow-moving drain, it’s time to call a plumber. It’s much easier to fix a drain or sewer line issue before it gets worse. Plus, it can save you money by preventing a costly repair bill.
And if you’re considering using DIY drain cleaners, remember that those innocuous-looking bottles on the store shelf are filled with harmful chemicals that can be toxic to your family, pets, and the environment. The acids in these products can eat away at your drainpipes, causing leaks and other problems. They can also emit harmful fumes that can irritate your nose, eyes, and throat.