Your home’s plumbing is relied upon for washing, drinking, preparing meals and more. So when a plumbing emergency happens, it’s a big inconvenience – not to mention an unexpected expense.
The best way to avoid a plumbing emergency from happening in the first place? Take some preventative measures. Here’s how!
Deal with Leaks
Plumbing issues are similar to many other household problems: the longer you leave the problem, the worse it will likely get.
That’s why it’s important to address any leak as soon as it appears. Typical signs of a water leak include a large increase in your water bill and noticeable water spots on your ceiling. If the leak gets bad enough, your ceiling is at risk of falling in – so call in a professional as soon as possible.
Avoid Clogged Drains
To avoid clogs from happening, be cautious with what you pour down your drain. For example, grease from cooking can eventually harden and create pipe obstructions. Instead of down your drain, dispose of grease in your garbage.
Drain screens and regular drain maintenance can provide additional help with avoiding clogged drains.
If a clog does happen, don’t panic! Often, you are able to unclog the drain yourself by pouring hot water (or baking soda and vinegar) down your drain to remove any build-up.
Some clogs require specific unclogging methods. For sinks, a drain cleaning product can often provide the solution, whereas clogged toilets can usually be helped with a manual plunger. Shower drains can be unclogged using a hook that can be snaked through the pipe to remove hair.
If you can’t unclog the drain yourself, an emergency plumber may need to be called.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Our Canadian climate can wreak havoc on our plumbing pipes, especially ones that are located in unheated interior spaces. Properly insulating your pipes can prevent pipes from bursting and creating water damage. Visit your local hardware store for some inexpensive pipe insulation and wrap it liberally around any vulnerable pipes.
Each fall, remember to disconnect outdoor water hoses to avoid faucet damage and burst pipes.
If your plumbing pipes freeze, thaw them out quickly and call a 24-hour plumber if needed.
Stop Septic System Back-Ups
Some flushable wipes are not breaking down in municipality’s septic systems, leading to sewage back-ups and residential contamination. Only flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet.
Hiring a licenced plumber to install a back-up valve can save you from dealing with potential messy, expensive damage created when a sewage back-up occurs.
Conclusion
If a plumbing emergency does happen, know that we are here to help. Our talented team provides both same-day emergency plumbing and 24-hour service to Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga and the surrounding areas. Well known for our professionalism, experience and work guarantee, our emergency plumbers are ready for anything! Call us today for more information.