Most home plumbing systems are extremely reliable, so homeowners likely don’t spend much time thinking about the complex network of pipes running through the house. While these systems require very little maintenance and can last for decades, there are a few steps you can take to minimize the risk of blockages and leaks. Below are some tips every homeowner can follow to keep their plumbing in the best possible shape.

How to Care for Your Home’s Plumbing System

1. Avoid Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

Many grocery store products promise to clear out stubborn drains, but they’re not always the best option. While these products will eat through grease, hair, and almost any other blockage, they can also corrode the interior of pipes. Weakened pipe walls can unexpectedly burst, causing massive water damage to your walls, floors, ceilings, and personal belongings.

Instead of using caustic chemicals, try a solution of vinegar and baking soda, which should clear most clogs. If the blockage is stubborn, the safest option is to hire a plumber to snake the drain.

2. Watch What Goes Down the Drain

Preventing a clog is better than dealing with one in the future, so try to avoid letting anything besides wastewater drain into the plumbing. Installing screens over shower drains will keep out hair while scraping off dishes before rinsing them limits the amount of food washed into the pipes.

Do not rinse cooking grease down the drain. Instead, pour it into a container, let it cool, and throw it away in the garbage.

3. Install a Water Softener

Hard water has higher levels of dissolved minerals, including calcium and potassium. Along with leaving unsightly stains on your fixtures, these substances also build up in the pipes, restricting water flow and increasing the pressure. Have a plumber install a water softener to remove these minerals before they enter the system to mitigate the various problems hard water can bring.

If you’re dealing with a clogged drain or a broken pipe, call the professionals at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Chardon, OH. Their team has been serving homeowners throughout northeastern Ohio since 1973, delivering a level of service that has made them one of the fastest-growing plumbing companies in the state. They also offer 24/hour emergency service and response. Visit their website for more on their broad array of services, or call (440) 286-6002 to request an estimate.