4 Common Plumbing Mistakes That All Homeowners Should Avoid
A home's plumbing system is used all the time by members of a household, but many homeowners do not spend much time thinking about their pipes, drains, or toilets. Unfortunately, failure to keep the plumbing system in mind can lead to plumbing problems that can cause damage and require costly repairs. If you're a homeowner, avoid the following common plumbing mistakes:
Neglecting to Prepare Your Pipes for Winter
If you live in a cold climate, it is absolutely essential to prepare your pipes for winter. Indoor pipes will typically be kept warm enough by the home's heating system, but exposed pipes and pipes in exterior walls can be at risk of freezing and then cracking or bursting. During the fall months, make sure that all of your exposed pipes are securely wrapped with insulation to ensure that they will not freeze when temperatures drop during the winter.
Not Knowing Where the Water Main Is
No one expects a pipe to burst inside their house, but when it does happen, it is extremely important to act quickly to minimize the damage. One of the very first things you should do when you discover a burst or cracked pipe is to turn off the water main to prevent water from entering your home. But, a lot of people do not know exactly where their water main is located. If you're one of the many who are unsure of where your home's water main is, take the time to locate it so you can turn the water off quickly if you have a plumbing emergency.
Disposing Grease and Cooking Oil Down the Drain
When you're cooking, resist the urge to pour grease or cooking oil down the drain of your kitchen sink. While doing so may seem much easier than other methods of disposal, in the long run you can cause a lot of damage to your plumbing system. Cooking oil and grease will eventually solidify, which can cause slow draining or large clogs that can be expensive to repair.
Failure to Call a Professional
A lot of people enjoy making repairs around their house themselves, but when it comes to your plumbing, it is important to know when to call a professional. If you don't have experience making plumbing repairs, it is in your best interest to call a plumber instead of trying to make repairs yourself. In many cases, trying to fix a plumbing problem on your own can actually cause additional issues, which can result in a larger repair bill.
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