A home plumbing system is a complex series of interconnected pipes and fixtures, and it can stop working for a myriad of reasons. In some cases, our actions can cause the problem to occur, such as using a caustic chemical drain cleaner that damages our pipes. But, sometimes, the cause is something that we don’t understand, or it is out of our control entirely. We need to be aware of these potential pitfalls to prevent damage to our plumbing and avoid expensive repair bills. Here are four things that will have a negative effect on your home plumbing system.
- Kitchen Grease in the Drain
Many people cook their meals and then dispose of the grease directly into the drain. This may seem like a reasonable approach because the water will flush that greasy liquid directly into the drain. But, this is not the case; grease and oil can cool quickly and become solid in the drain. This sticky material then forms the base of a larger clog as other materials adhere to it over time. Dispose of grease in the garbage where it belongs, and you can store it in a glass jar to avoid nasty odors.
- Tree Root Invasions
If you have trees in your yard, the roots represent a significant danger to the underground pipes. The trees may look serene on the surface, but the roots underground are constantly spreading out to search for water sources. If you have pipes with minor leaks, the roots will detect this and seek out the water. Once the roots have found the water, they will track it back to the source and begin to invade the pipe. For this reason, it’s a great idea to get your pipes checked by a local certified plumber using a camera.
- Septic Tank Issues
A toilet is only designed to dispose of human waste and toilet paper. All other materials should be placed in the trash where they belong, or you could have septic problems in your home. Some people pour and flush items, such as paint, bleach, “flushable wipes,” and feminine hygiene products in their toilets. This can lead to toilet clogs, the toilet may back up into the home, and this can cause a lot of damage.
- Worn Out Water Heaters
Most of us expect our water heaters to work flawlessly, and we take them for granted. But, this is a hard working appliance, and over time, it will become less efficient and prone to failures. The cost of more frequent repairs can really add up, and the extra energy required can really drive up your energy bills. As a water heater reaches the end of its useful lifespan, it’s a good idea to contact a local certified plumber and get it replaced.
Being mindful of these four issues will help you to keep your plumbing system in tip top condition. If you’re concerned by any issues raised in this article, contact your
local certified plumber for expert help and advice today.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solution.
