Inside & Out: Top Plumbing Tips for the Home

There are many reasons why you may need to hire plumber, but often minor problems can be avoided quite easily. If you know just a few simple plumbing tips you can easily prevent common problems from occurring, saving you money and lots of hassle. Here are some tips for both inside and outside your home to help you avoid the common problems.

Down in the Basement

The basement is a common area for problems to arise, but there are some simple plumbing tips that you can follow to prevent issues.

One of the simplest things you can do is check the setting on your water heater to ensure it is a maximum of 120°F. This will prevent the water from being too hot when you shower, and it will also help to reduce your energy usage.

If you have drains in your basement, pour water down them regularly. Gases from the sewer can sometimes cause unpleasant smells in your home, but if you pour water down them regularly, this can help to avoid problems arising.

If you have a septic tank in your basement, make sure you get it inspected and pumped once every three years or so by a professional. If you don't do this, you may end up having to replace the filter field, which can be very expensive.

In the Kitchen

The kitchen is another common area where issues can arise in the home, and there are a number of plumbing tips to follow here. One of the golden rules of the kitchen is to avoid disposing of any grease down the drain. Drains can easily become blocked up if you do this, so always throw any grease left over from cooking in the trash.

The garbage disposal is one of the main problem areas in the kitchen, and you can help to avoid problems by avoiding disposing of the wrong types of food down it, including stringy and sinewy foods. Also, run cold water for a few seconds before using it as this will flush down the waste. If your garbage disposal starts to smell due to food waste buildup, try pouring some detergent into it while it is running and rinse it with cold water for a minute or so.

In the Bathroom

Be careful what you throw down the toilet in your bathroom - really nothing should go down other than toilet paper. Also, if you notice any leaking faucets in your bathroom, get them fixed quickly as they can turn into more expensive problems and also cause serious water waste issues.

Another common problem in the bathroom is the buildup of soap scum and hair in the entry to the drain. To avoid this blocking the drain, use a strainer in the plug to catch any debris and clear it out regularly.

Outside the Home

It is important to clean the gutters and drains of any debris and leaves on a regular basis. For example, you may find that they can be build up in vent pipes, which can cause problems. It is important to check on a regular basis and clear them out if you find any. You should also check for areas of standing water in your yard as these could signify a leak, and if you do spot any then make sure you get them fixed as quickly as possible.

Avoid Problems in Your Home

The above plumbing tips for both inside and outside the home can help you to avoid common problems for which you would otherwise need to call out a professional. So keep your pipes in better condition and avoid common issues by following the above tips.

Sarah Saadoun works for HMS Plumbing, a family-owned business in Manassas, Northern Virginia. If you need a plumbing tips, Herve and his dedicated employees at HMS are proud to be serving the plumbing needs of Northern Virginia residents and businesses. For reliable Fairfax plumbers HMS Plumbing is your first choice.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.