A plumbing emergency is a frustrating experience for any homeowner. Taking care of your plumbing system can prevent flooding and clogged drains. Here are three maintenance tips to keep your plumbing safe and efficient.
1. Check Plumbing Fixtures and Inspect Shut-Off Valves
Faucets and showerheads can waste a considerable amount of water. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), a showerhead dripping ten times a minute waste 500 gallons of water annually. Inspect plumbing fixtures and tighten connections when you spot leaks.
Florida’s water is considered hard. Unless you have a water softener, your showerheads can become clogged when minerals block the holes. This can increase internal pressure and put undue stress on the system. Regular cleaning will prevent damage due to excessive pressure on the showerhead.
Is it time to replace those old, leaky fixtures? Feel free to ask us about water-saving showerheads, toilets, and other fixtures that will save water and reduce your water bill.
2. Watch What Goes Down the Garbage Disposal
The purpose of the garbage disposal unit is to break down foods into smaller chunks that can pass through the drains. Proper use of the appliance is essential to prevent clogging. Maintenance is also crucial since Its blades can rust and become blunt.
Avoid using the disposal with items that can damage the blades or clog the drains. Dispose of hard objects like bones and tough meat in the trash instead.
Starchy foods like rice can expand when in contact with water, which increases the risk of clogging. Keep those out of the disposal, and don’t send oil and grease down the drains either.
3. Regularly Unclog and Clean the Drains
Your drain system can become a health hazard if you do not clear clogs promptly. Food debris can accumulate, causing a foul smell to drift into your home.
Also, the water hardness level in Marion County is 180ppm, categorized as hard water. Lime scale can accumulate inside pipes and drains, blocking the free flow of water. The best way to prevent blockages is to schedule a professional drain cleaning service.
Hydro-jetting utilizes high-pressure water jets to clear the drain of leaves, food debris, and limescale. It is much more effective than plumbing snakes, which only remove blockages near the pipe’s entry point. The non-invasive process is also safer than drain cleaners since it does not involve using toxic chemicals.
Always take prompt action when you notice leaks or clogged drains. You can rely on our highly experienced plumbers from Root Scooter Plumbing for timely plumbing services in Ocala, FL. Contact us for an over-the-phone quote with experts today.