As a homeowner, there are several tasks to keep the house in great condition, and one is maintaining the drains. Keeping your plumbing functional is crucial to avoiding unnecessary and expensive plumbing problems. Luckily, there are some simple tips you can follow to avoid plumbing repairs.

Do:

Use drain covers.

This simple device is crucial to avoiding plumbing problems. The cover will help to catch food, debris, and hair from getting into the various drains around your home that can cause a clog. If you don’t already have one, they’re available at most home improvement stores. They can be very affordable and easy to install.

Use a plunger for clogs.

If a clog does happen, however, before you call a licensed plumber, you can try to fix the issue yourself using a plunger. Plungers can be used to clear clogs in a variety of drains, including backed up sinks. Just cover up the other holes in the sink with a rag, then the plunger can remove drain clogs without causing damage to the pipes.

Don’t:

Use chemical cleaners.

Many of the drain cleaning products that you see in stores use chemicals to break down the clog to improve the flow of water again. However, using these products can cause more plumbing problems than they fix. Over time, the chemicals in these cleaners can start to erode the pipes themselves, which might require pipe repairs or replacement.

Ignore slow drains.

Even if your sink is eventually draining, take notice if it seems to drain slower than normal. Slow drains can indicate that there may be plumbing problems, and the longer you wait to address them, the more likely it is that a major problem will arise.

 

If you follow these simple guidelines, you should be able to keep your drains protected, but sometimes plumbing problems are unavoidable. When problems do arise, you can rely on the professionals at American Rooter Sewer & Septic Service in Albany, OR. Their team of licensed professionals has the experience and tools needed to fix any plumbing issues that may be plaguing your home. They even offer 24/7 emergency services if a disaster strikes. Schedule a free estimate by calling (541) 926-1185 or learn more about their services online.