How to Extend the Life of Your Piping System

Nobody ever really wants to call a plumber, but having to call a professional means you’ve already tried everything else you could think of.
While it is best to have a trained professional handle plumbing issues, and in many areas it is required by law, the best solution to dealing with most plumbing issues is preventive maintenance. Here are the best four ways to extend the life of your plumbing piping system:

Preventing Clogs

Clogged drains are perhaps the most frequent reason homeowners have to call a plumber, and ironically also the easiest to prevent. First, the rule of thumb is to never flush anything other than toilet paper down the commode. If a lot of toilet paper is required it is best to flush more frequently and in smaller amounts.
Never put any trash, baby wipes, diapers or paper towels down the toilet. For other drains, hair is the most common reason sink, bathtub and shower drains become clogged. To help prevent these drains from clogging place strainer baskets over kitchen drains and hair traps over all bathroom drains.

Check for Leaks

Even the smallest of leaks can cause problems for your plumbing system. Check the toilet and faucets frequently to make sure there are no undetected seepages.
If any problems are detected have the problem fixed as soon as possible, to prevent small issues from becoming big problems. If you let a small leak go it can cause corrosion of metal parts and damage to wooden structures.

Maintain Your Septic System

If your home uses a septic system, instead of being connected to a municipal waste-water system, it is critical to have your septic system serviced regularly. Depending on the size of the tank and how frequently you use the system, this means the septic tank should be pumped out every two to five years.

Know How to Handle Emergencies

Should your plumbing system unexpected fail it is imperative to know how to handle an emergency. First, learn where the main water shutoff valve is and how it operates so you can turn off the home’s water supply to prevent a flood.
If the shutoff valve is in a hard-to-reach or dark place be sure to keep a flashlight and any tools you may need handy.
Just as important, be sure you have the name and number of a qualified plumber you can count on to call in an emergency.

Want to extend the life of your Arlington home piping system? Call The Plumbing Dr. at (703) 525-9280 to find out ways to extend the life of your pipes.