Don’t Let a Plumbing Issue Threaten Thanksgiving Plans!
Thanksgiving is about spending time with family, watching football, and eating good food. It’s not about unclogging toilets, calling emergency plumbing services, and stress. Plumbing problems have a way of happening at the most inopportune times. However, there are many things homeowners can do in advance to help avoid them. Some preventative maintenance measures include:
Be Mindful of What Gets Flushed
Nothing can ruin a gathering faster than an unusable bathroom, so homeowners should practice good habits to avoid toilet clogs. The only things that should go down a toilet are waste and toilet paper. Even if a toilet’s flow seems strong, it only takes one incident to clog it. Then, instead of focusing on a hearty turkey dinner, one could find themselves focusing on a clogged toilet.
Homeowners can help promote this habit by keeping a waste basket in the bathroom for everything else. To prevent clogged toilets, avoid flushing:
- Menstruation products
- Medication
- Condoms
- Wipes
- Q-tips, cotton balls, and makeup remover pads
- Napkins and paper towels
- Food residue
- Diapers and baby wipes
Prevent Blocked Sewer Lines
Nobody wants a sewer line clog. Sewer line clogs are caused by a build-up of material in the pipes caused by anything from grease and hair to toilet paper and baby wipes. The clog will eventually cause the sewer line to back up, leading to a nasty mess. These obstructions can lodge deep inside the plumbing system, increasing the likelihood of other serious problems, such as leaks.
Other negative effects of sewer line clogs include:
- Bad smells: When sewage backs up, it can create an unpleasant odor in a home or business.
- Property damage: If the clog is not removed, it can cause damage to the plumbing system and even a home’s foundation.
- Health hazards: Sewage water contains harmful bacteria that can cause serious health problems.
Fortunately, there are a few things homeowners can do to help prevent sewer line clogs:
- Never pour grease down the drain: Grease will solidify in the pipes and eventually cause a clog.
- Use drain covers: Drain covers will catch hair and other debris before it has a chance to enter the sewer line.
- Avoid flushing anything but toilet paper, as mentioned above
Schedule Drain Cleaning and Plumbing Maintenance Visits
The best way to prevent plumbing emergencies is to have a professional perform routine plumbing maintenance and drain cleaning. Drain cleaning can prevent clogs in the drain, and plumbing maintenance can extend the life of the plumbing and catch issues before they get worse. During a maintenance visit, plumbers can perform a host of services to find and remedy problems, such as:
- Checking the water meter for excessive use
- Inspecting the plumbing system for leaks and corrosion
- Flushing the water heater tank
- Replacing faulty parts
- Insulating certain areas
- Cleaning drains and other fixtures
- Suggesting the replacement of certain appliances
- Servicing sewer pipes
Professionals bring their years of experience and specialized training when evaluating a plumbing system’s potential problems. They can also explain what additional measures could prevent issues this holiday season.
About Ira Hansen and Sons Plumbing
Ira Hansen and Sons Plumbing serves Reno, NV, and the surrounding areas and has been family-run since opening its doors in 1986. They provide upfront service and instant savings, so call them today for plumbing and drain cleaning services in Reno, NV.