From frozen pipes to clogged drains, plumbing problems can present some of the biggest homeowner headaches. But while some of these issues may be outside of your control, Tarvin Plumbing says that many common issues can be prevented by knowing how to care for your system properly. To help you minimize your need for plumbing repairs, this Cincinnati, OH, specialist highlights a few things you should—and shouldn’t—do to keep things flowing with confidence.

Do:

Watch your water bill.

Keeping a close eye on your water bill is one of the best ways to spot leaks that may be hidden out of plain sight. If you catch an unusual spike in charges, it could be due to a leak that’s causing water to flow out at all times.

Locate the shut-off valves.

When facing a leak that can’t be stopped, the best thing you can do is close the nearest shut-off valve to prevent water from flowing into the damaged area. Before winter arrives, it’s also critical to turn the outdoor shut-off valve to prevent open-air hookups from freezing.

Maintain your water heater.

Although traditional water heaters can last up to 12 years, their service life could be cut short if you overlook routine maintenance. Check to make sure it’s not leaking.  Water should show up in the drip pan if it’s leaking out of the tank or temperature&pressure relief valve. You could also have the anode rod replaced about once every five years, as this device is crucial to corrosion prevention, if you live in an area with excessively corrosive water.  

Don’t:

Flush things just because you can.

It may seem convenient to flush cotton swabs, hygiene products, and other small items down the toilet, but doing so could contribute to a clog. As a general rule of thumb, the only thing that should go down the toilet is human waste and toilet paper.

Use chemical drain cleaner.

The corrosive chemicals in drain cleaner may eat through hair and other debris, but they can also eat away at the pipes. Instead of using these products, use a drain catcher to keep debris from going down. When clogs happen, use a snake to pull them out or call a plumber for assistance.

Always take the DIY approach.

While you may be able to resolve small plumbing issues on your own, it’s best to leave the bigger challenges to the experts. Without proper training and tools, you could end up causing more damage—or even putting yourself in harm’s way—while trying to fix plumbing problems.

When do-it-yourself plumbing solutions aren’t a good option, trust the experts at Tarvin Plumbing. Providing plumbing services in Cincinnati, OH, for more than a century, this team has all the experience necessary to keep your pipes and appliances at peak performance. And while this company certainly has an impressive past, they remain focused on the future, by utilizing advanced tools including a sewer camera to pinpoint problems and provide quick, reliable plumbing repairs. Visit this local plumber online to learn more about these capabilities or call (513) 321-5726 to request responsive service.