How To Prevent Plumbing Emergencies In Your Home

It may not be possible to eliminate the possibility of a plumbing emergency but you can take preventive measures to avoid them. An overflowing kitchen sink or clogged toilet is the most frustrating sight for everybody. It is a chaotic and time-consuming procedure to repair it. 

When any of the drains are clogged, water finds its ways to cause damages to your property. Damages to any of your plumbing fixtures have more or less the same consequences.

A well-maintained plumbing system is an essential component of a pleasant and healthy home. Poor maintenance may be to blame if you often find yourself looking for local plumbers. At times, an underlying problem worsens over time and you end up spending hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on hiring Residential Plumbing Services Brooklyn NY. 

Here are five simple ways to prevent plumbing emergencies in your house.

Keep An Eye Out For Clogged Toilets.

Toilet leaks are among the most prevalent plumbing problems. You could be wasting hundreds of gallons of water without even realizing it. It is not only hazardous to the environment, but it will also cost you hundreds of dollars in utility bills. It is better to be on the lookout for clogged or leaky toilets before they cause trouble.

Using dye or food coloring to check for toilet leaks is one of the cheapest and most effective methods. Wait a few hours after adding a few drops of food coloring to the water tank. If you see color streaks in the pot, it is time to replace the flush valve. It just costs a few dollars.

Use A Water Meter To Find Hidden Leaks

Water leaks can be concealed in-wall pipes or go undetected for years beneath the ground. A timely water meter test can help you avoid the price and inconvenience. Here is how to use your water meter to check for leaks without having to dig up the ground or walls.

Choose a day when you will be out of the house for a few hours. Check that there is no water coming out of the faucets. Turn off the water supply to all household appliances and pipes. You can also turn off the main valve. Make a note of the reading on the water meter.

The reading should be the same when you return. It’s safe to assume that there is a water leak in the building if you notice a discrepancy. Hire a reputable specialist to inspect it.

Keep The Sinks Clear

Hair and soap residue are the most common causes of clogged bathroom sinks. Your floss thread may be the culprit as well! Clogs can cause severe plumbing problems as they cause water pressure to build up. To reduce the likelihood of clogs, smart homeowners install strainers. If any hair gets into the drain, use a dry or moist vacuum to get it out. 

A drain snake is another useful tool for removing hair and solid gunk. If you have been dealing with frequent drain clogs, hire drain cleaning services to flush out the gunk. You would need professional plumbers to assess the condition of your property and drain cleaning services.

Never Pour Grease Into The Kitchen Sink.

When it comes to plumbing repairs, your kitchen sink requires the most attention. Grease and fats in sink pipes can cause major blockages. Start by installing high-quality strainers for your kitchen sink.

Flushing the kitchen sinks with hot water now and then is one of the most efficient ways to clean them. Hot water should dissolve the grease and allow the pipes to reopen. But don’t pour boiling water as it can melt down the plastic pipes as well.

If you want to avoid the risks of pouring hot water, try white vinegar and baking soda. Pour in a cup of baking soda, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain for 30 minutes. Allow the fluids to react and soften the gunk that is clogging the pipe. After that, flush the pipe with pressurized water. You can repeat this until the piping is clear.

Become Familiar With The Main Shut Off Valve

You would save tens of dollars by knowing the location of your piping system's single most crucial valve. The primary shut-off valve should be freely available so that it can be shut off to avoid further water damage in case of a broken pipe Brooklyn NY. Make sure it is in good working order since it controls the flow of all water in your house.

Check the valve to ensure that it properly shuts off the water supply to your house. Replace the valve if you notice any leaks until you need it.

Remember the adage, "A stitch in time saves nine."