Our Best Plumbing Tips For Your Home

If you own a home, then you know a key part of home ownership is caring for and maintaining your home’s plumbing system.

Although Handyside has a team of licensed plumbing professionals, there are a few things you can do with your home’s plumbing to keep it maintained in-between check-ups with Handyside.

#1. Avoid using harsh chemicals in your pipes.

Chemicals poured down your toilet (including bleach or blue odor-removing tablets) can eat away at the rubber parts in the toilet, which means you’ll need to replace these parts as they degrade over time. In addition, you could cause very serious injury to yourself or a plumber working on the pipes, as you risk chemicals splashing out of the pipes and getting into the eyes or on their skin.

#2. If your pipes squeak or knock, you may want to anchor them with clips or brackets.

Do not drill holes in your plumbing! Instead, use clips or brackets to secure the pipes to beams and joists in your home. If the pipes are inaccessible to you, consider getting a Handyside plumber to help.

#3. Keep an eye out on your floor (especially in your basement and around your toilet and sink) for water.

This could indicate leaking and you’ll want to fix that right away before it gets worse. Some leaks are simple fixes with a small repair, while others may require a greater effort. A Handyside plumber will be able to help you find the source of the leak and recommend quick and simple solutions.

#4. Avoid putting fats, oils, or grease down the drain.

These substances can harden and cause pipe back-ups, making a huge and costly mess on your floor. To dispose of these substances properly, you should put them in your household trash or locate a local grease/oil depot. Occasionally, you can pour boiling water down your drains to clear any fat or cooking oil that may have been inadvertently poured down the drain.

#5. Keep other household drains clear by pouring a cup of baking soda down your drain, followed by a cup of vinegar.

Do this monthly to help agitate any debris or build-up. Repeat if necessary. Flush with a pot of boiling water (be careful that it does not splash you when pouring!)

#6. Use an inexpensive “hair catcher”.

Hair Catchers are available at most dollar stores and help prevent hair from running down your drain and collecting in your pipes.

#7. Turn off your water and drain your pipes before you leave on vacation.

If you live in an area that can get below freezing during the winter, make sure you turn off your water and drain your pipes before you leave for an extended period of time (such as a winter vacation). That way, if your house freezes, it won’t cause a pipe to burst from frozen water.

Summary

Owning a home is a great privilege and the American Dream, however, it also comes with the responsibility of maintaining it. Our “Handy” tips will help you keep your home’s plumbing (and your home) in tip-top shape!