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Plumbing problems can rear their ugly heads at any time. Various issues are especially common in winter when people spend most of their time indoors and use the plumbing system more often. Luckily, you can avoid the majority of plumbing problems by following the steps we list here.
Use Your Garbage Disposal Correctly
Garbage disposals tend to get a lot of use during the winter, especially around the holidays. While these appliances can be useful, they can also increase the chances of drain and sewer problems. The main issue for garbage disposals is that many people don’t use them correctly. A garbage disposal isn’t designed to serve as an extra trash can. Instead, it’s meant to handle leftover food scraps that you would otherwise scrape into the trash can. It grinds or pulverizes the scraps so that they easily wash down the drain without clogging it.
You can also put some of the scraps produced when prepping meals into a garbage disposal. However, you need to first cut them into fairly small pieces and make sure not to put too much into the disposal at one time. You should never put pasta, rice and other grains, fruit pits, bones, meat scraps, coffee grounds and any type of fibrous fruit or vegetable down your garbage disposal. The worst things you can put down your kitchen drain, with or without a garbage disposal, are fat, oil and grease.
You also need to have cold water running when using your garbage disposal and leave it running for at least 15 seconds after shutting the disposal off to ensure everything gets flushed away. It’s good to clean your garbage disposal every week or so since this helps reduce the chances of it clogging and prevents it from smelling bad. While there are products designed specifically for cleaning garbage disposals, pouring white vinegar and baking soda into your disposal usually works just as well.
Be Careful About What Goes Down Your Drains and Toilets
You also need to be careful about what you flush down the toilet and what goes down your sinks and showers. Sink and shower strainers are helpful for preventing hair and food scraps from going down the drain and potentially resulting in a clog. In terms of your toilet, the only things you should ever flush are human waste and toilet paper.
Toilet paper breaks up fairly well when flushed and usually won’t clog the toilet unless you use too much of it. Other paper products, like paper towels and tissues, don’t break up nearly as well and will often result in a clog. Some of the worst culprits in terms of toilet and sewer line clogs are wet wipes, cotton pads and feminine hygiene products, which is why these things always need to go into the trash.
Winterize Your Plumbing to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are a common problem in Michigan due to how cold our winters can be. If a copper water line freezes, there’s a high chance it will burst and start flooding the surrounding area. The reason is that water expands quite a bit when it freezes, and this expansion can exert enough pressure on a copper pipe that it splits or ruptures. This is why you need to winterize your plumbing before the cold weather sets in.
The most important thing to do is shut the water off to outdoor faucets and hose bibs and then drain them. It’s also a good idea to fully insulate any exposed water lines in areas like a basement, crawl space or attic. Leaving a trickle of water running during periods of extreme cold is also a great precautionary measure to ensure that your pipes don’t freeze.
If you turn on a sink or shower during the winter and no water comes out, it’s a sure sign you have a frozen pipe. When facing the situation, immediately close the valve on your main water line. Closing this valve will shut off the water to your house so that you don’t end up with major flooding if the pipe bursts. After shutting the water off, contact an emergency plumbing service so that they can thaw out the pipe and inspect it for leaks.
Have Your Water Heater Professionally Maintained
Despite the importance of always having hot water, many people rarely give much thought to their home’s water heater. All water heaters require regular maintenance from a professional plumber. Having your water heater maintained helps prevent issues that could cause the unit to stop working or keep your water from getting hot enough. It also ensures the unit works efficiently and doesn’t use excess energy. One other reason why maintenance is so important is that it helps the water heater last longer.
Have Your Drains and Sewer Line Cleaned
An issue like a toilet that doesn’t fully flush or a drain that’s much slower than normal is a sign that the drainpipe is partially clogged. If these issues are present throughout your house, it means there’s a partial blockage in your sewer line. In either case, you need to schedule a drain or sewer cleaning service immediately so that you can overcome the issue before the pipe fully clogs. Having a professional plumber clean all your drains and your sewer line every year or so is a great way to avoid clogs and prevent damage to your drain and sewer system.
Watch for Signs of a Leak
While some plumbing leaks can go undetected for a long time, you’ll usually notice fairly quickly if a pipe within your house is leaking. Because leaks can cause extensive water damage, always call a plumber immediately if you suspect your plumbing is leaking. Some signs to watch for that can indicate a leak are wet spots on a wall or ceiling, mold growth or moldy odors, bubbling paint, yellow or brown stains, soft spots on the floor and flooring that’s warped or pulling up. A spike in your monthly water bill is another typical sign that your plumbing is leaking, and you need to schedule a leak detection service.
Schedule a Full Plumbing Inspection
The best way to avoid the full range of plumbing, drain and sewer issues is to have an experienced plumber perform a full inspection. A plumber can use a drain camera to check for clogs, leaks and damage. They can also spot any signs that your pipes are at risk of leaking or that indicate you need a repair or replacement.
With more than 45 years of experience, Service Professor is the home service company to turn to if you need plumbing, electrical or HVAC services in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Grand Ledge or elsewhere in West or Southwest Michigan. Our expert plumbers are here to help if you need an inspection, leak detection, drain/sewer cleaning or any other plumbing repair, maintenance or installation services. We can also assist you with winterizing your plumbing or dealing with a frozen pipe this winter.
To learn more about all the ways we can help you avoid or overcome plumbing issues, contact Service Professor today.
