Last time we talked 8 Plumbing Myths! This time, it’s the whole truth and nothing but the truth! Stick to these 8 practices, and get a gold star from your friendly neighborhood plumbers at Ensor!
- Keep an eye on your drains. Okay, maybe not literally – or constantly. But be vigilant. As soon as you notice your sink or shower draining slower than usual, that’s the first sign of trouble and your “bat signal” to call us. The longer the clog sits there, the more damage it does to the pipes. To avoid a clogged drain, you can place a strainer in the sink or tub to catch any big scraps that would cause a clog.
- Be on the lookout for leaks! Take a few extra minutes in your weekly housekeeping routine to check under sinks, around the basement, the outdoor spigots, particularly when that first cold snap hits. That’s when metal pipes show their weaknesses. Catch it early, call a professional, and nip little problems before they become full-blown expensive ones!
- Check your water pressure. There can be too much of a good thing when it comes to water pressure. That goes for your shower or any faucet. The recommended pressure is between 40 and 85 psi. Anything above that might cause pipes to leak or burst. You can buy a pressure gauge at your local hardware store, or call us, and we’ll be glad to measure it.
- Running the disposal? Run the water. Just like a kid down a waterslide in summer, it’s the water that helps get things to where they need to be. Water helps move the food waste down the drain and through the pipes, and it keeps food out of the way of the disposal once the blades have done their job. That means the disposal motor doesn’t have to work as hard, and it lasts longer!
- Spring for the hose upgrade. From the garden hose to the washer, dryer and dishwasher hose, when you replace, don’t go cheap! Most appliances come with rubber hoses. It’s best to switch them out with stainless steel braided hoses. They’re not as likely to leak or burst.
- Careful with those chemicals! Tools like plungers and snakes are practical, but when it comes to clogs, put the bottle down. You know the stuff we mean. They might seem like a good quick fix, but they can also cause long-term damage – not to mention the fact that the chemicals aren’t good for your health, your family’s or your pets’ safety!
- Know the main to the drain. Suppose a pipe suddenly bursts: do you know how to shut off the water to the sink… to the toilet … to the main? Do you even know where the main for your house is? But it doesn’t have to be an emergency situation; a lot of homeowners prefer to shut the water off from the main when they are away on vacation for weeks at a time. It could keep your basement from flooding – which is not a very pleasant welcome home!
- Book an ounce of prevention. Sure, Ensor Plumbing is there when you’re experiencing an emergency. But your plumbing also needs regular maintenance to make it last longer. By becoming a member of our Diamond Club, Ensor will stop by twice a year for important checks on your home’s plumbing. We’ll be able to catch little plumbing problems while they’re still little!
Ensor Plumbing is a 3rd generation family-owned business serving Reisterstown and area homes since 1961! Get to know us BEFORE you have a plumbing emergency. 410-429-4959.Or request service right here from our website.