If you are a homeowner, then you likely very well know the inconveniences and unexpected costs that arise from owning a property on which you are the one who is responsible for its upkeep and maintenance. Unlike apartments where managers can be called upon to fix and maintain various fixtures and structures of the dwelling, there is no one tasked to solve the maintenance issues that arise from homeownership except for the homeowner him-(or her)-self.
One of the most common and potentially most inconvenient aspects about homeownership is addressing any issue that arises from the house’s plumbing system. This is perhaps due to the fact that not many people know much about how their plumping system works- almost every LA plumber will be able to tell you at least one story in which water damages could have been greatly mitigated if the homeowner simply knew where the main water turnoff source for their house was.
Precautionary Measures
Besides knowing the technical aspects of your home’s plumbing system, there are several precautionary measures you can take to help ensure that your drains and pipes remain as clog-free as possible, so as to prevent the majority of plumbing problems from occurring in the first place:
- Do not flush “flushable” baby wipes– This is one of the most popular culprits when it comes to clogged drains. No matter how “flushable” you think these baby wipes are, they simply are not- they are not able to break down in pipes and septic systems like toilet paper can. The same goes for paper towels.
- Disconnect outside faucets and hoses in the winter– This is especially true for those living in colder climates. In the winter, outside pipes that do not constantly have water flowing through them will “clog” with frozen water. Once colder weather rolls around, you should make sure that you not only turn off outside faucets and disconnect outside hoses, but also close a special valve in the house known as the “tit” and open a valve outside the house so that any remaining water in the pipes can drain out.
- Properly use the garbage disposal– When disposing of food, make sure that they are no bigger than small scraps, and use a sufficient amount of cold water the entire time while using the disposal. Use plenty of warm water after running the disposal. Take care that you do not pour grease or oil down the disposal.
When pipes or drains clog, the first action most homeowners will take is to pour a drain/pipe cleaner, such as Drano®, down the offending drain. While this may help satisfactorily address the clogged drain at times, some clogs might only be able to be unclogged by an experienced plumber. For example, toilets that are backing up into tubs and showers will most likely need professional drain repair in Los Angeles, as this type of problem will require special tools that the majority of homeowners do not own.
Call Red Lily Plumbing today to schedule service from our expert Los Angeles plumbers!