When Is It Time to Replace Drains and Sewer Lines?

No pipes in your home are invulnerable—certainly not to time! No matter the material the pipes are made from, they will eventually wear down and develop leaks or start to corrode. Although it’s important to discover when any pipes in your house need to be replaced, it’s especially important to find out as early as possible when you have drains or a sewer line that has to be replaced. A busted drain or sewer line can bring life in your house to a halt and create unhygienic and downright unpleasant conditions.

Let’s take a closer look at when you should replace drains and sewer lines. If you need any help with the choice, call a professional plumber in Surprise, AZ to take a close look at the pipes. A plumber can give you the best advice and schedule the service as soon as possible.

Pipe Age

First, how old is your home? Was it built pre-1970? Or even pre-World War II? In either case, you probably have outdated plumbing pipes in your house, unless you’ve scheduled repiping and sewer line replacement before. The materials in pipes this old are prone to corrosion over time, such as cast iron and galvanized steel. We strongly recommend having an inspection for your drains and sewer line for any home built before 1970. If you aren’t the first resident in the house, it’s important for you to know if the previous tenant made any changes.

Drain Performance

A drain that clogs frequently enough that you have to keep the sink plunger handy probably needs plumbing repairs. Drain cleaning might be all that’s necessary (a service we provide), but the trouble could be corroded drains.

If drain clogging is happening at multiple places in the house, the issue is probably deeper down in the sewer line. Have a plumber do a sewer line inspection using video pipeline inspection equipment to discover if the sewer line needs to be replaced.

Foul Drain Odors

A single drain emitting bad smells often isn’t anything more serious than a dried p-trap. You’ll only need to run water down it to restore the water in the p-trap. But when more than one drain is creating terrible smells, it’s another warning of sewer line trouble.

Soggy, Smelly Patches on the Lawn

A broken sewer line will eventually cause sewage to back-up into your house. Before this occurs, you may notice soggy spots on the lawn giving off sewer odors. This is a major warning sign of a leaking sewer line—don’t hesitate to call for professional plumbing help. A related warning is when spots of grass on your property turn a more vibrant green. Sure, it may look pretty—but it usually means fertilizer from leaking sewage below is responsible.

Call for All Your Drain and Sewer Needs

Replacing a sewer line is a large job, but when you have experienced professionals like the ones at the Trusted Plumber, the work will go swiftly and smoothly. We also provide drain replacement and repair and drain cleaning—anything you need for a healthy drainage system for your house.

Call on The Trusted Plumber to schedule drain and sewer line replacement services.

This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com

Have you noticed your water bill seems to be increasing month over month? Maybe your bill doubled or tripled, and you have no idea how you used that much water. If you want to get your water bill back under control, you need to reduce the amount of water your household uses. While this might seem difficult, there are specific types of plumbing services you can invest in that help reduce water usage without sacrificing your comfort.

1. Schedule water heater service.

If your water heater is a few years old, it is a good idea to have water heater service performed by a qualified plumber at least twice a year. For tank-type models, the tank needs to be flushed and cleaned to remove sediment and other deposits. This maintenance service not only helps keep your tank operating at peak efficiency but also helps reduce electricity and water usage since it is easier for the tank to maintain desired temperature levels.

2. Upgrade to a tankless water heater.

If you are looking to save even more on your energy bills, upgrade from a tank-type water heater to a tankless model. Tankless models make hot water on demand. There is no storage tank, so the heater does not have to run periodically to maintain the preset temperature level.

3. Have your plumber insulate your hot water lines.

Adding insulation to hot water lines helps prevent heat loss. This means you will not have to run the water as long whenever you turn on hot water to get it to the desired temperature level. This is a relatively easy task that will save money on energy and water bills.

4. Upgrade to low-flow water fixtures and showerheads.

Low-flow water fixtures and showerheads are designed to use less water without a reduction in water pressure. Most people do not even notice any difference between their old, non-water saving fixtures and their new low-flow ones.

5. Upgrade toilets to low-flush models.

There are two ways you can reduce the amount of water you use when you flush. Option one is to replace the entire toilet with a brand new model with water-conserving features already built into them. The second option is to have your plumber replace the internal flushing mechanisms inside the water tank with new low-flush components.

6. Upgrade your dishwasher and washing machine to water-conserving models.

If your dishwasher or washing machine is more than five years old, you are missing out on the latest advances in water-saving technologies. These new appliances offer a wide range of options to wash dishes and clothes that use a fraction of water you are using now.

7. Have the aerators on your faucets cleaned or

If you already have low-flow water fixtures, you do need to clean the aerators to remove sediment and other particles. If the aerator is too clogged up with deposits, get it replaced. Not only do aerators reduce the amount of water you use but, at the same time, they help boost your water pressure too.

8. Use your dishwasher as much as you can to wash dishes.

Dishwashers use less water than hand-washing dishes. The only dishes you should be washing by hand are those things that are not dishwasher safe. Additionally, only run the dishwasher when it is full.

By using these plumbing services tips, you will reduce your energy and water bills and save money. To schedule water heater installation, fixture and toilet upgrades, or other plumbing repair and maintenance services, please feel free to call MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning at 281-994-6698 to schedule an appointment today!

The post 8 Plumbing Services Tips to Lower Your Energy and Water Bills appeared first on Met Plumbing.

There are a lot of different problems that may affect any given air conditioning system. While some problems, like those stemming from basic wear and tear, really cannot be avoided completely, there are also plenty of issues that can be avoided if you know the proper steps and precautions to take. However, it’s important to remember that many AC issues actually may result from different root problems. This is the case with short cycling—a common problem with serious implications.

Trust us when we tell you that short cycling is definitely an issue you want to nip in the bud. The good news is that it may be solved quite simply. The bad news is that it may also be a symptom of a very serious problem with your air conditioner. In today’s post, we’ll cover what short cycling is, what might cause it, and what you’ll want to rule out before scheduling professional air conditioning repair in Clifton, NJ.

How to Recognize Short Cycling

Your air conditioner is not meant to cycle on and off rapidly. No, it should not be running constantly—and if yours is, that means that you’ve got another problem on your hands!—but it should be shutting down and starting up constantly, either. If you notice that your air conditioner is cycling on and off very rapidly, then you are witnessing short cycling firsthand.

It is important to remember that, while your air conditioner is not completely broken down, it is definitely not functioning properly if it is short cycling. While it may be cooling your home, it is struggling to do so and the condition is only going to get worse. So what can cause short cycling?

• A very dirty air filter. This is the best case scenario, and you should definitely check your filter before calling for professional repairs. If the filter is very dirty, then your system will start to overheat when cooling your home. Then, it is going to shut itself down to prevent damages.
• A faulty run capacitor. Your air conditioner uses a run capacitor to keep the system running consistently. If this electrical component should fail, the system will start up fine but will not run reliably.
• A refrigerant leak. This is the worst case scenario, and demonstrates how something that seems like a minor issue (such as a dirty filter) could actually be very serious. If your system is low on refrigerant, it can overheat and short cycle. If you don’t contact us to fix the issue, you can damage your system beyond repair over time.

Consequences of Short Cycling

Regardless of why your system is short cycling, there are some very undesirable consequences that you will encounter with a short cycling system. Energy costs will rise. Comfort levels will fall. And the risk of repairs shoots up astronomically due to the excessive strain on the system. Be sure to let us know if your AC is short cycling and you’re certain that you’ve got a clean filter in place!

Schedule your AC services with MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc.

This post first appeared on https://margoplumbing.com

Welcome to the 2019 Water Heater Debate! This year’s candidates are once again the tank water heater and the tankless water heater.  For many years, we’ve watched these two candidates go head-to-head, and now, it is your turn to pick which of these two you like best!

In this week’s debate, we will be asking our two candidates about what they can do about cost, efficiency, and their ability to keep up with all your hot water demands. Understanding the differences between tank and tankless water heaters can make a huge impact on your decision-making process, so we’ve brought these two systems onto the stage to showcase their individual strengths, as well as their drawbacks, to help you make a well-informed decision. So, keep reading below to find out more!

Let’s Get Started!

Let the debate begin!

Tank Water Heaters

Tank water heaters, also known as storage water heaters, are typically the standard choice amongst homeowners. They store a supply of water in a tank and maintain it at a steady temperature. Fresh, cold water enters the bottom of the tank where it is heated and rises to the top to be used as requested. When a hot water tap is turned on, a circulator pump moves the heated water from the top of the tank into the plumbing system.

Advantages:

• Purchasing a tank water heater is quite affordable, as most models are inexpensive.
• Installing or replacing a tank water heater is simple.
• Tank water heaters can be powered by electricity, gas, or oil.
• Since hot water is continuously heated and stored, you can expect hot water right when you need it.

Disadvantages:

• Heat can escape through an uninsulated tank. This is called standby heat loss.
• If the demand is too high, you can run out of hot water.
• Storage tanks can be quite large and bulky depending on your household needs.
• You lack the ability to select precise water temperature settings.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters, also known as demand water heaters, deliver hot water to your home only when it is necessary. A tankless water heater heats water directly as it moves through the system without using a storage tank. When a hot water tap is turned on, either a gas burner or an electric heating element begins to heat the water.

Advantages:

• You will never run out of hot water since it is heated on demand.
• The risk of standby heat loss is eliminated.
• Without a tank, tankless water heaters provide greater space savings.
• Tankless water heaters are super-efficient.
• You have the ability to select precise temperature settings.

Disadvantages:

• Tankless water heaters are more expensive to purchase.
• Installation can be costly and complicated.
• Most models require electricity, which can be very expensive depending on where you live.
• Tankless systems require a minimum amount of hot water flow.

Who Won?

Well, that is up to you to decide! When it comes to choosing a water heater in Orlando, you want to be absolutely sure that the decision you make is the best one for your home, your comfort, and your wallet. Hire a professional plumber to help you choose!

For all your plumbing needs, contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. 

This post first appeared on https://www.modernpi.com

When the conversation turns to toilets, it’s sometimes hard to keep your inner adolescent from coming out. However, a toilet that leaks is no laughing matter. An undetected leak can run up your water bill and damage the surrounding floor and/or subfloor – as well as waste a valuable resource. Depending upon the source of the leak, the water may also be contaminated, creating a health hazard.

Learning how to tell if your toilet is leaking is the first step in avoiding additional expense and a possible unsanitary mess. Our team of state-certified master plumbers at Adams and Son Plumbing want our Central Florida neighbors to be proactive in this important area of home maintenance and repairs. Herewith is our guide to what you need to know about toilet leaks.

How much water can a leaky toilet waste?

As our colleagues at Ken Neyer Plumbing in Cincinnati point out, the toilet consumes a greater volume of fresh water than any other indoor household fixture. More than a third of your home’s indoor water use each month is due to flushing the toilet. 

Since the water flows down the sewer (or into the septic tank), leaking toilets don’t necessarily leave any signs of a leak, until you get the bill. According to the City of Daytona Beach, the average leaky toilet can waste about 200 gallons of water per day. That’s over 6,000 gallons a month for just one leaking toilet – giving new meaning to the phrase, “flushing money down the toilet.”

How many ways can a toilet leak?

There are different places a toilet leak can start. Here are the most common.

The fill tank – A toilet that keeps running after you flush it, runs continually or flushes by itself (“ghost flushing”) indicates the leak is occurring in the fill tank. Problems originating in the fill tank usually involve the flapper, which regulates the amount of water in the bowl. It should lie completely flat against the bottom of the tank. To determine if the fill tank is the source, put a few drops of food coloring in the tank; wait 15 minutes to see if the color shows up in the bowl.

Around the base – If the wax seal under the base of the toilet decays, water may begin to escape from around the toilet’s base. This is particularly damaging to the floor, as well as unsanitary.

Leaky gaskets – If the gaskets between the toilet tank and the bowl develop faulty seals, water will start to leave the tank each time the toilet is flushed.

The feed line – The feed line is the line attached to the wall that brings in fresh water to the fill tank. If you see water around the base of your toilet, the problem could be from a bad feed line connection. This leak can be stopped immediately by shutting of the feel line valve, but this needs to be also immediately followed by calling a plumber.

Cracks in the bowl – Even a small crack along the porcelain of the bowl will allow water to start to drip out. This is a major problem, since the crack will only get worse over time. In almost all cases, the solution to the problem is to either replace the bowl or the entire toilet.

DIY toilet repairs

In many areas of plumbing, DIY fixes aren’t recommended. However, some toilet repairs are relatively easy, and within the ability level of those who have basic DIY skills. Replacing a flapper could be considered a “1” on the scale of difficulty. Even those who are convinced they’d break anything they touch might feel comfortable with this task. Those with more experience and confidence may want to tackle replacing the “guts” of the tank – the overflow tube, flush valve and fill valve. Flappers are sold individually, while guts can be purchased separately or packaged in a kit.

Replacing the wax ring (gasket) that the toilet sits on requires more DIY know-how. It’s also a two-person job (as in two healthy, strong people), as the toilet must be removed. Because some water from the toilet bowl will continue to leak upon the toilet’s removal, disinfection of the area is essential. This is one of those jobs that can seem deceptively simple, so if you take the DIY route, be sure you know what you’re doing.

When performing any part replacement, follow manufacturer’s instructions to avoid causing damage or voiding the warranty. Make sure you have the toilet’s brand and model number in order to purchase the right part(s).

When to call a plumber for a leaky toilet

As covered in our September 2018 blog post – “Three Common Toilet Noises That Call for Repair” – the reason for any out-of-the-ordinary sound emanating from a toilet needs to be determined. Whether or not you’re able to identify the cause, yet have decided the job is outside your comfort zone, it’s time to call a plumber.

Most plumbing repairs and replacements need to be performed by a professional. Even if you have DIY experience, you may encounter unanticipated problems that could result in damage or a more extensive repair that you’d expected.

When you need a reliable and professional plumber, look no further than Adams and Son Plumbing. We respond quickly and efficiently, preventing further damage and future repairs. Plus, we are one of the few companies that send a state-certified master plumber every time. View our full list of services, or contact us to request and appointment. We look forward to serving you!

 

The post Is Your Toilet Causing Your Water Bill to Overflow? appeared first on Adams and Son Plumbing Services.

What do we mean when we talk about plumbing accessories? We mean various components and appliances that make the modern household plumbing system as effective, safe, and water-conserving as possible. Not all homes have these accessories, but we strongly recommend them for most homes.

Your house may have only a few of these, and you may not be sure if some are in place already. If you have doubts, call our plumbing professionals to schedule an appointment. We can help you make the best of your household plumbing in Glendale, AZ.

Automatic Shut-Off Valve

Also known as an emergency shut-off valve, this is a precaution installed onto the water main into the house. If it registers that flooding is occurring in the house, either through floor sensors that detect water or a pressure sensor that tells when water pressure drops abruptly, the valve will immediately close and stop the flow of water into the house. This can save your house from serious damage in case a plumbing accident occurs when you are away from home.

Water Filtration System

People are more concerned than ever about potentially harmful contaminants getting in their home’s water. Purchasing water filtration pitchers is only a minor fix, bottled water is too expensive and creates more build-up in landfills, and point-of-use filters won’t do much for the rest of the house. A professionally installed whole-house water filtration system will take care of harmful pollutants all around the plumbing system. Let our experts find the right filters and purifiers for your needs.

Garbage Disposal

If you live in a vintage home, you may not have a garbage disposal in the kitchen sink. We advise you have one put in. Not only are these disposals more convenient than scraping food waste into a composting bucket, they also keep your drains healthier and keep food waste from going into landfills. We can make the changes necessary to your sink to allow for garbage disposal installation.

Sump Pump

An automatic shut-off valve is excellent to prevent flooding because of a busted pipe. But what about other types of home flooding? To help with other water buildup, we recommend you have a sump pump installed in the lowest spot in your home, such as the crawlspace. This pump activates when water starts to collect in a pit (the sump) and removes the excess water out of the house to prevent water damage.

Backflow Preventer

Not all homes need to have this device, but you should ask your plumber if it’s necessary. Backflow preventers are designed to stop wastewater from flowing the wrong direction into the freshwater lines at cross-connection. Your house may have cross-connections in the sprinkler system or irrigation system, and in this situation, it’s vital to have a backflow preventer to stop contamination to the freshwater system in case of a loss of water pressure.

As we mentioned above, not all homes need these accessories and some already have them. You can speak to our plumbers to find out the exact requirements for your home plumbing system.

The Trusted Plumber serves Glendale and the surrounding areas. Call for plumbing installations done right.

This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com

This post first appeared on http://www.atozstatewideplumbing.com

There are several signs you need to watch for to determine when it is the right time to repair or replace the faucets around your home. Just like other types of “machinery,” faucets have moving parts and components that do wear out from repeated use. These same parts and components can also become encrusted in scale and lime deposits if you have hard water.

Depending on the age of your home, its plumbing, and your faucets, corrosion could be another factor that causes your faucets to wear out. To help you decide whether it is time for faucet repair or replacement, let’s look at types of problems to watch for and tips on what to do when you discover a problem from our Katy and Houston local plumbers.

 

Dripping Sink Faucets

Dripping faucets are one of the most common problems, whether in the bathroom, kitchen, or other areas of the home. A slow drip is caused when the internal parts and components inside the faucet no longer seal correctly when shutting off the water.

Depending on the type of sink faucet you have installed, it could be possible to fix dripping faucets. For instance, you have two separate knobs you use to turn the hot and cold water on and off. It can be fairly easy to take apart the affected knob and replace the washers and other interior components.

With a single control level faucet design, where you move the lever to adjust the hot and cold water, the process can be a bit more complex, yet it is still possible to replace internal hardware to repair a dripping faucet.

 

Leaking Faucets

If you notice water leaks from around the faucet base, knobs, or control level, the internal seals that keep water inside the faucet are wearing out. In some cases, depending on the make and model, you can have the affected part or component replaced with a new one without having to replace the entire faucet.

Before replacing the damaged parts, it is best to compare the costs of a new faucet. Sometimes the costs for a new faucet will not be much more than the faucet repair costs. Getting a new faucet installed can also be beneficial if you want to upgrade to a water-conserving model.

 

Squeaky Faucet Knobs or Handles

If the knobs or handle on your faucet squeak when turning it on or off, it means the internal components need to be lubricated. The lubrication which was originally on the components does slowly wear off and degrade. You will need to take the faucet apart to apply the new lubricant. This task can be complicated, depending on the faucet model. You may want to enlist help from your local professional plumber.

 

Rust Deposits

Rust can develop as the coating on the metal parts and components wears off. If you notice rust at the base of the faucet or around knobs or the faucet handle, it may be time for a new faucet. If the rust is isolated to just one area of the faucet, a repair could be an option, depending on which parts and components need to be replaced.

Just remember, if you have rust-colored water, this may or may not be related to rust inside the faucet. There are several causes for rust-colored water, including rust inside the water heater, old metal plumbing lines, and rust in well water. Your plumber can recommend which plumbing services would be best to resolve rust-colored water in your home.

 

Lime and Scale Buildup on Faucets

Another common problem is if you notice scale or lime buildup around the base of the faucet and or knobs. Scale and lime are common in households with hard water. As the deposits continue to grow, they can gradually lead to dripping faucets and leaky faucets. They are also known to cause water flow problems.

It is possible to remove minor scale and lime deposit buildup from around the faucet, although you do need to be careful if you use a scale and lime deposit remover to not damage plastic parts and components.

You can unscrew the water aerator cap and clean the screen to try to fix water flow problems. In extreme cases, where repairs are not possible or the scale and lime can no longer be removed, it is often better to have your kitchen and bathroom plumbing professional replace the faucet with a new one.

 

Bathtub and Shower Faucet Problems

Bathtub and shower faucets can experience all of the previously mentioned types of faucet problems. Repairing and replacing bathtub faucets can be rather complex because the plumbing lines are not always easily accessible.

In addition, depending on when your home was built, there may not be a water shutoff valve for these fixtures. As such, it may be necessary to shut off the water to the entire home before they can be repaired or replaced.

Shower heads are a bit easier to work on since you only have to keep the faucet shut off. Shower heads typically screw on to the end of the water supply line. Most of the time, when addressing leaks, drips, and other such problems, it is more efficient to replace the shower head than repair it.

 

Kitchen Water Sink Filtration Faucets

Some homes have a dedicated water filtration system faucet as a separate fixture on their kitchen sink. These faucets can develop the same types of problems as other faucets in your home. You also need to make sure the filtration system is well-maintained.

 

Kitchen Sink Spray Nozzle Problems

If your kitchen sink is equipped with a spray nozzle, there are a few different types of problems that can develop. Some of the most common issues you may notice could include:

• Low Water Pressure: There could be deposits inside the water supply line or nozzle head restricting the flow of water.
• Stuck Handle: The handle on the nozzle could stick on and not shut off. This occurs if you do not use the nozzle that often.
• Handle Doesn’t Move: The handle can also stick so you cannot depress it. This could indicate some types of deposits have built up inside the nozzle.

The best way to resolve these types of problems is to have your kitchen and bathroom plumbing professional install a new spray nozzle.

 

Outdoor Faucets

The faucets on the exterior of your home can develop leaks, drips, and other such problems. Sometimes the problems can be fixed and other times you will need to replace the faucet. One of the more common problems has to do with leaks if you have a vacuum breaker installed. Some of these devices require a special “key” you have to connect to the garden hose, and then the water spigot.

Fixing and replacing outdoor faucets can be challenging since plumbing lines are not always easy to access. To avoid causing accidental damages to your exterior plumbing lines, it can be best to get help from your professional plumber.

 

Laundry Room/Utility Room Faucets

The faucets in your laundry room or utility room can also wear out. One common problem is when the water supply hoses from the faucet to your washer burst unexpectedly. This occurs if the hoses are older. Ideally, you should replace the hoses every five years.

If you notice leaks around the faucet and water supply hoses, this typically indicates the washers inside the hoses need to be replaced. It is easy to replace the washer by shutting off the water supply and unscrewing the hoses.

As you can see, there are all sorts of faucet problems you can encounter. By being aware of them, you can take steps to resolve them quickly when they occur. Doing so helps avoid more costly plumbing services later.

For help with faucet repair, bathroom plumbing, water drainage issues, and other plumbing services for your Katy or Houston home, please feel free to contact MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning at 281-994-6698 today!

The post It Time to Repair or Replace Your Faucets? appeared first on Met Plumbing.

You’ll need air conditioning repair in Wayne, NJ, at some point. That doesn’t mean that you should just accept this fate and give up on protecting your AC from operational problems as much as possible, though. Sure, your system is going to run into trouble from time to time. That is true of any mechanical system. There are plenty of ways in which you can keep any such problems as few and far between as possible, though.

Scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance with trained professionals is the big one. You cannot afford to skip routine maintenance if you really want your air conditioner to function at peak performance and efficiency level. Our Makes $ense Maintenance Program makes that simpler than ever. However, you’ll need to change your air filter on a regular basis on your own, too. It’s a simple step that is hugely beneficial for any forced air system. Read on to learn more about how clean filters benefit ACs.

What the Filter Does

The most common reason why some homeowners fail to change their filters frequently enough is that they fundamentally misunderstand the purpose of this standard air filter. They think that, because their indoor air quality seems fine, their filter is fine. That’s not really the case, though. You see, the air filter is really there to protect the air conditioning system itself—not to boost indoor air quality throughout the house. You need a more efficient, designated air filtration system to do that.

The filter prevents the buildup of dust and dirt on sensitive components within the air conditioner. That helps to prevent operational problems from developing. When there is a filter that is too dirty in place, though, various problems will still develop. Some of them are quite serious.

Problems Caused By Dirty Filters

When an air filter is too dirty, it restricts airflow throughout the system. That restricted airflow leads to a lot of issues. First and foremost, it will result in increased energy costs! Think about it—the harder that it is to do something, the more energy it takes to do it, right? So forcing air through a dirty air filter is going to use more energy than forcing air through a clean one.

Additionally, that reduced airflow can cause the coil to get to cold, causing condensation on that coil to freeze up. When that happens, the ice insulates the coil and further impedes the cooling process. That leaves you paying more for less comfort!

This can also cause the system to short cycle, as it shuts down shortly after starting up in an attempt to prevent damages. Starting up over and over just wastes more energy, and it also puts a lot of unnecessary strain on the system. That increases the risk of damages. Don’t let something as simple as changing a filter get between you, your comfort, and a great air conditioning performance. Contact us if you have any questions about the filter in your air conditioner.

Schedule your AC services with MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc.

This post first appeared on https://margoplumbing.com

We are all glad emergency plumbers exist, but that doesn’t mean that we want to be regularly calling them. In fact, most of us wish to avoid plumbing emergencies at all costs! Fortunately, there are plenty of things that you can do at home to avoid these dreaded phone calls.

Your plumbing system is extremely large and intricate, so it is important that you do everything in your power to take care of it. Surely, you want it to work efficiently and effectively for years to come, which is why we have provided a list of tips to avoid plumbing catastrophes. All you’ve got to do is keep reading below to find out more. 

Here’s What You Can Do

1. Don’t pour F.O.G. down the sink

F.O.G, or fats, oils, and grease are among the worst things that you can pour down your kitchen sink, as they easily lead to major clogs. These cooking oils look harmless when their hot because they’re in liquid form. But have you seen what they look like when they cool down? They become a sticky, waxy substance. Imagine that residue clinging to the interior of your drainpipes, slowly building up until clogs are inevitable, and no amount of plunging will fix it. Pour F.O.G. out into another receptacle and put it in the trash.

2. Arrange for regular drain cleaning

This ties into the trouble with F.O.G.—because some of it will go down your drains no matter what. Plus, there’s soap scum and other debris that enter the drains. The best way to avoid drainpipe trouble is to schedule preventive drain cleaning with professionals once a year. We’ll scour out the drains and make them as good as new. You’ll rarely have clogs of any kind.

3. Don’t flush “flushable” wipes

Pre-moistened wet wipes are more common now than ever, but they aren’t flushable—no matter what the label may say. These wipes tend to stick together and can congeal into a solid lump, which means a difficult clog to remove.

4. Be careful of what you throw down the disposal

Your garbage disposal was not designed to handle anything and everything that’s thrown into it. It’s not for actual garbage, despite the name garbage disposal. Don’t put any organic items down it that are too hard for human teeth to chew (fruit pits, meat bones, unpopped popcorn kernels) or stringy foods like asparagus and onion skins. Pasta and rice are also troublesome because they absorb water.

Don’t Forget About Maintenance

If you are looking to get the most out of your plumbing system, the best thing that you can do is schedule annual maintenance services. Plumbing maintenance in Orlando, FL is the best way to avoid costly repairs and other emergencies. During your maintenance visit, one of our technicians will thoroughly inspect the system to locate and correct minor issues before they become major.

To schedule your plumbing services, contact the team at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. Quality, Performance, and Value Are Our Commitment to YOU! 

This post first appeared on https://www.modernpi.com