Plumbing problems can be a pain. Here are some common problems and what can be done to prevent them.
Plumbing problems can be a pain. Here are some common ones and what can be done to prevent them.
Plumbing problems can throw a household into chaos. Leaks,
clogs and pipe breakage can not only be a nuisance but can add up to big bucks in terms of damage. The systems within a household are linked to many other components. Flooring, ceilings, walls and electrical wires can all be thrown into havoc when water is rushing through inappropriate channels. Carpeting can become soggy, mildewed and unusable. Tile grout can wear away and allow water to seep beneath the surface. Walls can be stained and damaged. Electrical wires can short out, become unusable and downright dangerous. Not to mention the inconvenience and distress of not having a functioning toilet on the premises.
Here are some common problems and some preventative or reparative steps:
- Inexperienced technician: Plumbing is an area of construction that must be done by certified professionals. Proper installation is especially crucial in order to not have big problems down the road. Simple repair jobs can be done by the homeowner or a less skilled tech, but the big jobs must be done by the pros. What a person may think is a way of saving money may cost big bucks over time in terms of repairs and damage.
- Flushing non-flushables: What a person flushes down the toilet should be limited to small amounts of toilet paper, and bodily wastes. Disposing of items such as feminine hygiene products, paper towels, hairballs, Q-tips and more can clog up the works and make big trouble.
- Forgetting to teach the kids: When children are first learning to use the toilet, they and their parents may be so preoccupied with the pottying aspect of the process that toilet paper usage is not even discussed. These kids aren’t bad, they’re simply uneducated. Give them a demonstration. Rip off three or four sheets and show them, saying “this is what you need.” Otherwise, their interpretation may be wads and wads. It’s also wise to instruct them of the very short list of items which may travel down the plumbing pathway. Reports of tots attempting to flush toys, jewelry and even pets are renowned. Teach your children.
- Hammering into the wall without thinking about what’s behind the plasterboard: How many pipes have been damaged by a homeowner hammering nails or driving screws into a wall that has water pipes directly behind it? More than one would expect. Before putting sharp objects through walls, make sure you know what lies behind the surface.
- Frozen hoses: Winter months bring frigid temperatures which should be a signal to put away the garden hoses. Once the ground freezes, there won’t be much plant watering going on. When the seasonal temps drop, time to unscrew the hose and put it away till spring. Frozen garden hoses can damage the outdoor faucet, not to mention the hose.
- Garbage disposal care: The garbage disposal can be a handy tool for disposing of small amounts of food waste. But let’s face it; it’s not a magical monster that can eat anything. Steak bones, non-food products and even potato or carrot peelings can clog the machinery.
With a bit of preventative forethought, many plumbing problems can be avoided. Think first and you’ll be glad you did.
