It never fails – plumbing disasters always seem to occur when you’re the busiest! However, most plumbing issues begin as small inconveniences and gradually grow to a major repair. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to prevent problems from occurring so that you’re not left with an emergency plumbing situation.
Four Steps to Reduce Your Plumbing Problems
Our team of expert plumbers put together some simple DIY steps to prolong the life of your plumbing systems and decrease the likelihood of spontaneous issues.
1. Don’t Pour Grease Down the Sink
If us Alabamians know how to do one thing, it’s how to cook! Cornbread, fried chicken, mashed potatoes – the list goes on and on! However, how often are you taking the time to get rid of your grease properly? Pouring it down the kitchen sink is terrible for your plumbing. Instead, cooking oil should be poured into a heat-resistant container and after it cools off, disposed of properly.
2. Dispose of Paper Products Properly
Lately, it seems that all paper products are marketed as “flushable.” However, this is not the case! Paper towels, disposable diapers, and feminine products can cause a great deal of trouble with property owners and city drain lines. Despite the label, these products do not deteriorate as quickly as bathroom tissue does, and they can quickly clog up your plumbing system. Instead of flushing them down the toilet, throw them away.
3. Correct Illegal Plumbing Connections
Do not connect French drains, sump pumps, and other flood-control systems to your sanitary sewer. Not only is it against code, but the debris and silt will clog your plumbing line! French drains are common drainage systems, primarily used to prevent ground and surface water from penetrating or damaging building foundations. If you’re unsure of your home’s preexisting, illegal connections, give our professionals a call.
4. Install a Backwater Prevention Valve
A backwater valve is a fixture installed into a sewer line, and sometimes into a drain line, in the basement of your home to prevent sewer backflows. A properly installed and maintained backwater valve allows sewage to go out, but not back in. As the homeowner, you are responsible for the installation and maintenance of backwater valves. However, our team is more than happy to assist you!
Dixie: Service Professionals You Can Trust
At Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air, we can help you with many of your plumbing issues that may arise from these problems and more! Our Dixie plumbers can also do a camera inspection of your sewer line to get a clear picture of what could be clogging your drains. With the inspection, you will know precisely if it’s free-flowing or has roots buried deep that could cause serious issues.
Call Dixie, and it’s done!
Looking for a professional company to maintain your plumbing repair and maintenance? Call Dixie today! You can reach us on 334.232.0236 for Montgomery or 334.835.5161 for Auburn. You can also contact us online to make your appointment.
