As a homeowner, maintaining your plumbing system is one of your biggest responsibilities. Working with a plumber can help you avoid messy, potentially hazardous issues with your main drain lines; these experts can also help you with routine tasks that minimize the risk of an emergency. Below are a few frequently asked questions about plumbing basics that will help you take better care of your pipes and drains.

What Homeowners Commonly Ask Their Plumber

1. Why Does My Shower Drain Clog?

Shower drain clogs are annoying and can happen frequently. They develop when hair and residue from soap and shampoo stick together and block the pipe. Put a drain cover in your shower to trap this debris before it enters the drain. Wash the cover every few days with soap and water to keep the trap clean; otherwise, it won’t let water drain from the basin properly.

2. How Can I Prevent Leaky Pipes?

Leaky pipes can cause messy, expensive problems, especially when the lines are hidden below floors or behind walls. If you hear a dripping sound or notice that your house feels damp, even if it hasn’t rained recently, have a plumber inspect the pipes for potential leaks. These issues can exist for a long time before leading to visible problems like water damage or mildew, so you need a professional’s perspective and experience.

3. What Can I Do About Hard Water?

Hard water occurs when the water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium carbonates. These minerals leave chalky residue on plumbing fixtures and can even affect your laundry and dishes. Hard water in the shower can also dry out your skin and hair. A skilled plumber can install a softening system in your home to rebalance the water’s mineral content and eliminate the residue.

4. How Do I Know If I Have a Toilet Leak?

The simplest way to check for a toilet leak is to put a few drops of food coloring into the tank and then wait 10 to 15 minutes. If there is colored water in the bowl, then you have a leak and should call a plumber soon. If the water is clear, then you have nothing to worry about.

If you have further questions about your plumbing, talk to the experts at Walter’s Inc. in Ellsworth, WI. These experienced plumbers provide a variety of household services at affordable prices. Since 1952, they’ve tackled everything from leaky faucets to new water heater installations. Call (715) 792-5336 to make an appointment, or visit them on Yelp for more information about their services.