Home Inspection & Maintenance Tips to Avoid Plumbing Problems
Home Inspectors Often Find Plumbing Issues, Here’s How to Prevent Them
You can avoid plumbing problems such as clogged drains, leaky faucets, and other standard plumbing issues by practicing these six simple and effective maintenance procedures.
- Avoid pouring cooking-grease directly into any drains.
When cooking-grease is poured into the kitchen drain, it cools and hardens along the way, eventually resulting in a clogged drain that will require the services of a plumber. One alternative to this is to pour the grease into an empty juice or milk carton then dispose of the waste. - Use inexpensive drain screens.
You can find affordable drain screens at any local hardware store. The screens will be made of either metal or plastic and will help to avoid potential drain clogs. An added benefit to using screens is that you will also be able to easily lift out any obstructions without having to shove your hand down the drain. - Use baking soda treatments.
As opposed to buying expensive and often extremely toxic drain openers, try using a baking soda treatment. You do this by sprinkling roughly a quarter cup of baking soda into your drains. Follow this with a ½ cup of hot water, mixed with a ½ cup of vinegar. Leave the mixture for 5-10 minutes and then flush the drain with hot water. - Avoid excessive tightening of the handles.
In order to avoid premature leaks, simply turn off your faucet without tightening the handles. Cranking the handles too much can wear down the washer at a much faster rate and will lead to wasteful and irritating drips from the faucet. - Installation of hose screens.
You should consider installing affordable hose screens on the outflow of your washing machine. The lint and debris from your laundry can cause clogs in your drain lines. Make sure you check the screens at least once or twice a year, replacing them if they are full of debris or sediment. - Be prepared.
Even though you may take all the necessary precautions to avoid a plumbing issue, you must still prepare yourself for the unexpected. This requires having the appropriate tools available and remembering to shut off the water as soon as you notice a leak.
Northern California Home Inspectors in the Bay Area, Central Valley and Beyond
HomeGuard is a Northern California home inspection, roof inspection, termite inspection, and NHD report company that has served the Bay Area and Central Valley since 1988. We perform thousands of inspections each year. We focus on customer service, quality inspections and unbeatable pricing. If you need a home, termite, roof inspection or NHD report call 855-331-1900 today to speak with one of our customer service representatives or order an inspection online.
