Your drains are crucial components of your plumbing system as they keep your household sanitary through efficient wastewater management. They often go unnoticed until they present major issues. To keep problems at bay and protect your wallet, here are some smart money-saving tips that will prevent major repairs.
Signs You Have Problems With Your Drains
Before you can implement any tips, you must know the signs that will indicate you have a problem. If trouble is brewing, you may notice the following signs:
- Toilets flushing slowly
- Water taking longer to drain
- Foul odors from the drain
- Gurgling noises when you run your taps
These signs indicate issues with your drainage system or sewer lines, and you should not ignore them. If left unaddressed, these issues can escalate and lead to costly repairs.
With the above in mind, and to avoid having to deal with costly drainage system repairs, here are some money-saving drain cleaning tips.
Plumbing System Inspections
Many of the emergency drainage and sewer repairs plumbers handle could have been prevented with an inspection. A full inspection includes checking all drains, pipes, and fixtures for leaks, blockages, and damage. This may include using a camera to identify sewer problems, like tree root intrusion or collapsed pipes.
Regular plumbing inspections can detect minor issues before they escalate into major problems. Fixing these issues on the spot means saving money on costly repairs in the long run. Inspections help identify potential risks like aging pipes or improper installations. It’s easier and more affordable to replace pipe sections or flush the lines before they break or clog. If you live in an older home that had previous plumbing issues, you should schedule annual inspections.
Watch What You Drain and Flush
How your family uses the drainage system plays a significant role in preventing pricey repairs. The items you should keep away from drains and toilets include:
- Grease, oil, and fats
- Wipes
- Cotton balls
- Feminine hygiene products
In the kitchen, greasy and fatty substances can congeal and solidify in pipes, thus causing blockages. In the bathrooms, only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed down the toilets.
Plumbers often tell their clients to invest in strainers for all their drains. This is because these inexpensive fixtures catch hair, food scraps, and other debris that should not enter the drain lines. You can clean strainers regularly and easily replace them as needed. Also, don’t forget about keeping plungers next to the toilets. They are often excellent tools to deal with simple blockages. Finally, flushing drains with hot water can help dissolve soap scum and other buildup that causes clogging. And when cleaning, you should avoid harsh chemicals because they can damage pipes with their corrosive properties.
In the end, saving money on drain repairs comes down to making smart choices that will preserve your plumbing. For all your drain cleaning and sewer maintenance needs, contact Evenflo Plumbing in Corvallis, OR today.
