5 tips to keep your pipes clean and avoid future water damage

 

Nobody wants to deal with water damage, especially not professionals. But sometimes it's unavoidable. That's why it's important to be prepared and take the necessary precautions to avoid it. 

You may not think about your pipes often but they can be responsible for a lot of damage and even for mold growth if you don't take care of them. In this blog post, we'll give you five tips to help keep your pipes clean and prevent water damage in the future. Keep reading for more information!

1. Flush out standing water

Water that isn't moving through the system such as bathtub or sink water is more likely to stagnate and turn into a breeding ground for mold. Always drain as much of the water out of whatever containers you use or whatever fixtures that may be sitting after use

2. Don't overuse your garbage disposal

Garbage disposals can cause more problems than they fix. If you don't cut up food scraps before you run them through a garbage disposal, they can work their way into the pipes and create blockages.

3. Check your toilet for leaks

Make sure to check your toilet regularly for water leaks especially if you have a running problem. This is because water that sits in the tank will evaporate over time but chemicals from the tank can get into the bowl and cause problems.

4. Don't neglect your faucets and pipes

Pipes tend to be the most neglected part of a house because we usually see them hidden away under cabinets or behind walls, but every time you turn on the sink or flush the toilet, it's putting pressure on these pipes. If they're not properly looked after, they can crack and cause problems.

5. Keep your outdoor water spigots clean as well

Water that sits outside in a garden hose is just as likely to stagnate as it is inside the house if not more so because of the scorching sun beats down on it. Make sure that you drain the hose completely every time you use it and also check for leaks.

Clean the aerators of your faucets

Every time you brush your teeth, wash your face or dishes, a bit of sediment from these activities is going down the drain and it's important that we remove this debris. Not only can it become a problem when it comes to clogs, but it can also affect the taste of our water.

To clean them, simply unscrew the aerator and pull out any hair or food that might be stuck inside. If there is a noticeable difference in water pressure after you do this simple task, try cleaning it again until your pressure returns to normal.

Install water softeners

Hard water can contribute to the buildup of calcium inside your pipes, meaning it will be more difficult for them to move better water. This can mean that you'll have clogs in your plumbing system more often, which can get extremely expensive if you have to call a professional plumber every time there's an issue.

Water softeners are tools that soften the water you use, making it less likely to become a nuisance in your plumbing system. Although this tip alone won't keep your pipes clean, it will definitely help prevent future problems and can extend their lifespan.

Periodically flush out your garbage disposal

Food debris which isn't disposed of properly will begin to accumulate in your garbage disposal. Disposals are powerful machines that can handle a lot, but there's only so much they can do before problems arise.

To prevent this from happening, make it a point to periodically flush out the disposal with hot water and lemon rinds. This will help remove any bad odors stuck inside while also making sure that your disposal can do its job.

Keep a strainer over all the sinks in your house

Whenever things get clogged in your plumbing system, it's important to have a plunger nearby so you can fix these kinds of problems. Because plungers aren't very powerful, they can often take a while before any changes are made in the clog.

A much better idea is to keep a strainer over all your sinks, especially in the bathroom where things like hair and soap scum are often washed down the drain. By catching this debris before it makes its way down to your pipes, you'll prevent any problems when it comes to clogs.

Inspect your plumbing at least once a month

Lastly, it's important to inspect the state of your pipes every month as part of your regular cleaning routine. This may not prevent future problems because problems can happen without you knowing it, but this habit will definitely help detect any potential issues and allow you to fix them right away before they turn into disasters.

And there you have it - 5 simple ways to keep your plumbing in good shape and avoid future water damage. With these tips, you can save a lot of money on repairs or service calls when the time comes so the effort is definitely worth it.

Conclusion: The best way to avoid future water damage is to keep your pipes clean. We recommend using a drain snake or power auger every 3-4 months, and have an annual service with one of our certified plumbers. If you are not sure what's causing the issue in your home, give us a call at All Star Plumbing & Restoration.

 

Author Bio:- Laura Harnes 

Laura is a marketing manager at All Star Plumbing & Restoration. With years of experience in the plumbing industry, she loves to create awareness about the causes, problems, and repair solutions of water damage and slab leak. She shares expert tips to lower utility bills and keep your AC, heater, and other appliances in optimum condition leading to longer lifespan.

Check all the recent articles and know everything about water damage repair, slab leak repair, tools to remove clogging, and HVAC appliances installation, maintenance, and repair.

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