People are Following These Steps to Prevent the Costs of Plumbing Problems in Their Homes

You wake up in the morning to get ready for work only to step into the shower and turn on cold water! Plumbing issues in an apartment or a house are not uncommon and when it happens it becomes a major inconvenience. Problems including a leaking tap, clogged drain, and low water pressure can be avoided. The following steps can save you save on the costs of repairs and only takes a few minutes of your time.

1. Keep Grease Out of Your Kitchen Sink

The number one cause of clogs in the kitchen is grease down the pipes. Did you know that a clog can build up over weeks and become so bad that it causes permanent damage to a pipe? You can avoid the costs of a pipe replacement or the inconvenience of an overflow if you dispose of excess oil from food in a newspaper or a disposable container and toss it in the garbage.

2. Use a Basket Strainer in the Kitchen and Bathroom

Depending on the type of plugs in your kitchen and bathroom sink, you can add a basket strainer. These accessories are designed to catch food particles and debris that would otherwise make their way into your pipes and cause a blockage. The strainer can be removed from the sink and the dirt tossed into the garbage.

3. Invest in Quality Fixtures

How to Choose a New Tap

The reach and the height of the spout must be considered to ensure it is comfortable and easy to use. The corresponding water pressure should also be determined for compatibility purposes. Most taps need a pressure of at least 0.1 bar to work properly.

Best Plumbing Pipe Materials

If you need to install new plumbing pipes, the best materials to use are PEX and PVC. PEX is ideal for areas where temperatures get below freezing. PEX is durable and will not freeze over. PVC is also a strong and affordable material but may corrode over time.

4. Keep the Toilet Clean

Stained toilet bowls and clogs are owed to a lack of proper cleaning products and filling the bowl with too much paper or dirt. You should also regularly clean the bowl with biodegradable bleach to prevent stains and bacteria.

5. When to Avoid DIY Plumbing

If you have no plumbing knowledge or experience, avoid a DIY repair or fixture. Things like replacing the washer on a tap may be easy but if you need a plumbing pipe replaced, better call on the professionals or you could face an underground or wall leak! DIY usually costs more in the end than if you call a local plumber.

6. Maintenance

The few minutes it costs you to pour grease into a trash bag, flush pipes with hot soapy water to prevent clogs, and address issues such as a leaking tap, the more you can save on the costs and the time it would take to repair it. Remember to protect your pipes from freezing in winter or you could face a burst pipe! For apartment living, report issues to your landlord as soon as it occurs.

Psychology graduate and content creator