Ask any Willetton plumbing and gas professional if he has a lot of work to do and he’ll always say yes! Being a plumber takes a lot of hard toil and commitment, that’s for sure. Plumbers also need to be excellent problem solvers while being able to juggle 101 issues at a time. Yes, no two days are ever the same for plumbers and we like it that way. We actively welcome the challenge of diagnosing all sorts of plumbing issues for our many valuable customers.
One aspect of plumbing we’d like to discuss today is plumbing accidents. We see so many of these during a typical working week, many of which could have either been avoided or prevented if homeowners only had the right information. Of course, we are more than happy to rectify any plumbing mistakes and problems we’re asked to. We just want to point out a list of tips to follow, so you don’t need to call out your plumber to carry out costly plumbing repairs. Often, what seems to be a tiny job you can easily handle yourself or that would be quickly sorted out by a plumber will become a huge issue if a DIY repair goes wrong.
So, let’s take a look some things your plumber wishes you knew so that your home (or business) plumbing stays as healthy as possible.
Never Pour Grease or Oil Down the Drain
We know you probably already know this and we also understand how tempting it can be to just get rid of a little cooking fat down the drain. We’ve probably all been guilty of it at one time or another. Thankfully, now we know better! You see, grease and oil being poured down the drain is the leading – and we mean LEADING – cause of clogs. What you should do instead is to pour used grease and oils into disposable containers and throw them out with your other waste when they’ve cooled and solidified.
Don’t Misuse Equipment or Tools
Always only use equipment or tools for their actual intended purpose and no more than that. Misusing tools can result in damage to the tool, to your plumbing and to yourself. While we’re on the subject, it’s also crucial to maintain your equipment and tools so they stay safe and in great working order too.
Look After Your Water Heater
It’s easy to forget that your water heater exists. It’s something that many of us take for granted until something goes wrong and you need to call out an emergency plumber. Willetton residents always ask us how best they can ensure their water heater can be maintained after they have a problem with it. Our advice is always the same. Your tank needs to be flushed at least once a year to stop sediment and rust from building up. Prevention should always be your focus when it comes to your plumbing.
Know How to Shut Off Your Water
No one wants their house to flood. That’s certain. However, if your home did begin to fill up with water would you know where to turn the water off? It’s crucial that you know all about your home’s plumbing system well in advance of any problems occurring. So, if the worst ever does happen, you can respond rapidly. Then, as soon as you turn the water off, give your plumber, Willetton locals Baywood Plumbing & Gas, a call and we’ll come out to fix things straight away.
Be Wary of Liquid Drain Cleaners
It’s so tempting to use a liquid cleaner to unclog your drain. However, you should only really do so as a last resort. Oh, and don’t get into the habit of using these over and over again either. The majority of commercial chemical cleaners do irreversible harm to your drains and pipes. So, what can you do to prevent clogs? Invest in some drain screens, that’s what! If you still experience clogs even after taking this action, you’ll need to call our team out rather than using chemicals.
Look After Your Plumbing
It’s crucial to take care of your plumbing system so you minimise your risk of having problems in the future. You need to attend to even the tiniest water leak promptly to stop it from turning into a serious issue. Make sure the younger members of your family don’t throw random items down the toilet as well as not disposing of food waste down the sink. With a little thought, you can ensure your plumbing stays in the best condition for as long as possible.
Know Your Own Home
Before you drill or cut into a wall, floor cavity or ceiling, ensure you know what’s behind it. There could be anything behind there such as electrical wiring or pipes, so you need to do your homework on your home before you tamper with anything.
Protect Your Eyes
It’s always best practice to wear safety glasses when you’re working on your plumbing. You don’t want to end up with an eye injury or with drain gunk or sewage in your eyes.
Protect Your Lungs
It’s always a good idea to wear a face mask when needed to protect your lungs. Say, for example, you need to use a sander or saw – you don’t want to be inhaling any dust or wood particles. So, always be safe and wear a mask.
Protect Your Hands
Wearing robust gloves to protect your hands while carrying out a plumbing project is always a good idea. Your hands can come into contact with heaps of different chemicals and materials when you’re working on a project. Consequently, using gloves will prevent injuries and irritation.
So, now that you know a bit more about our plumbing recommendations, you should be feeling a little more confident with regards to what to do if you have a problem with your water. And, always remember that the Baywood Plumbing & Gas team is here for you. We are the emergency plumber Willetton residents rely on to get their jobs done on time and on budget!