Simple Steps for Avoiding Serious Plumbing Problems

Keeping your home plumbing in good condition is essential if you want to avoid calling out a tradesman unnecessarily. If you live in Northern Virginia, plumber services are easy to find, but nobody really wants to have to call them out unless absolutely necessary. Fortunately, there are many simple things that you can do to avoid problems in the first place.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are quite common in the winter in this region, but you can easily take steps to prevent them. It is all about making sure the water in the pipes does not freeze in the first place. To do this, you may want to consider getting insulation for your pipes, especially any exterior pipes. You could also remember to keep your heating on a low setting on the coldest nights to prevent the pipes freezing, and to keep your heating on low when you go away on holiday.

Take Care of Your Garbage Disposal

Problems with garbage disposals are common in homes across the United States, and one of the main things that you should remember is to avoid certain types of foods that can affect the performance of your device. Egg shells, bones, peelings, fibrous vegetables like celery, and pasta should all be avoided – throw these in the trash instead, otherwise you could well have to call on the services of a Northern Virginia plumber to help you out.

You should also avoid overloading your garbage disposal, as it needs to have good drainage to work properly. If there is too much food and not enough water, this prevents it from grinding up the food.

Don't Let Drains Get Blocked

Don't throw grease down the sink. This is a golden rule in the kitchen because when grease cools it solidifies and sticks to the pipes. This can cause blockages that you may need to call on your local Northern Virginia plumber to fix. Instead, pour grease into a cardboard box or other container and throw it in the trash.

You should also make an effort to clear out your drains from time to time using an off-the-shelf chemical cleaner. This will help to prevent the build-up of materials that could cause more serious blockages. Also prevent food and hair from getting down the drain by using a guard. Carry Out Regular Checks of Your Appliances

To avoid having to call out a tradesman for more serious problems, you may want to check your appliances on a regular basis for any signs of minor problems. For example, check your washing machine every month or so and look for signs of cracks in the hoses. If you catch minor problems quickly, you can help to avoid more costly repairs at a later date.

Avoid Repairs

When something goes wrong in the home, calling a Northern Virginia plumber is often necessary. However, you can avoid this as much as possible by following these simple steps. So save your money for the really serious issues and avoid having to call an expert for easily preventable problems.

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

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.