The plumbing pipes and joints in our home are used and abused. In many cases, the rule “out of sight, out of mind” might be in play, and we don’t necessarily think much about the way our common behaviour and routines affect our homes’ plumbing. In reality, though, the pipes in our homes are responsible for a lot, and it’s important we do what we can to prevent easily-avoidable mishaps.
By simply following our few golden rules, you can rest assured that you’ll be far less likely to cause a plumbing catastrophe, therefore far less likely to panic call your plumber!
Be careful with oil and fat
The jury tends to be out on this debate, with some just going for the easy option and putting oil down the drain, and others strictly avoiding it! Truth is, oil can cause some nasty and tricky clogging in your kitchen drain due to its solidifying at lower temperatures and stubborn removal! instead, wait until your cooking oil has cooled, decant it and throw it straight into the bin.
Drain strainers are your best friend
Very effective, cheap to buy (and definitely cheaper than long-overdue repairs), drain strainers are your go-to in preventing drain blockages. Don’t just stop at your kitchen sink (where there’s lots of small food debris that can build up), also employ them in the bathroom to minimise hair clogging and nasty build-ups.
Do your dishwasher a favour
When you’ve finished with your plates, likelihood is that there’ll be food debris, sauce and crumbs stuck on there still. Rinsing your cutlery before putting it into the dishwasher will help your dishes come out as clean as possible, and prevent clogging caused by large food particles during the cycle.
A stitch in time saves nine
We stand by this quote, because it’s no truer than when it comes to your plumbing concerns and quirks. If you notice small differences in the way your taps are running or toilet is flushing (for example), don’t just ignore it. There’s always a root cause to the issue, and diagnosing it sooner could save you some serious hassle, time and money!
Know your DIY limits
There are certain tasks you can take on at home, if you’ve got the tools and know-how. What’s important, though, is that you’re comfortable with the tasks you’re undertaking, and that you’re doing them correctly. Stay comfortable with your limits, and if you’re ever unsure, always ask the experts. Should the worst happen, give our team a call on 01858 433 333, and we’ll be happy to see you back on your feet.
In the meantime, get the most from your plumbing and heating by hitting ‘Like’ on our Facebook page, where we share all the important news, advice and information you need to keep your home safe and disaster-free!
