Did you know, most insurance claims that are related to water damage are due to plumbing related failures? Breaks and clogs in piping, plumbing, and appliance issues are far more common than weather-related causes. As such the most common areas for these complaints is the kitchen and bathroom. One cause that we don’t typically consider, is clogged drains. You may be surprised to learn the extent of damage a clogged drain is capable of causing. If a drain clog is not addressed right away, and flooding occurs, the resulting water damage may lead to warped wood in flooring, cabinetry, and walls. Tiles can be popped out and mold can easily develop. In this article, we are discussing 6 tips to help prevent plumbing failure in your home.
Always Use Cold Water With Your Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals are turning blades within your sink, these cause quite a bit of friction on their own, generating heat and causing food particles to seal to the blades. Use of cold water before and during the use of your garbage disposal will ensure all food particles are safely flushed past and through your pipes. It is perfectly acceptable to run hot water after your garbage disposal has been shut off, should you feel it is needed. One key point with using your garbage disposal is to avoid tossing high fiber and stringy foods, such as potato peels, corn on the cob, and celery. These types of foods will make your garbage disposal work harder, and may not flush properly down the drain, leading to plumbing issues.
Practice Grease Disposal
One of the biggest causes of a clogged drain, especially in the kitchen, is grease. If you have a garbage disposal it is encouraged to never pour grease down the drain. Using hot water as you pour grease down a drain only provides a false sense of security as even the hottest water won’t push all grease through your entire piping system before cooling off and allowing the grease to solidify.
One of the best practices is to use aluminum foil while cooking known greasy foods for quick and easy disposal. Another option is to set aside a disposal container such as a coffee can, cup or jar for later disposal in the trash. Finally, if dumping grease down the drain is an absolute must, use cold water. While again it isn’t a safe all and your drains may still become clogged, this will at least prevent the warm grease from cooling off deep down in your piping where it will then solidify. It’s far easier to push a solid substance down your pipe than it is a hot liquid.
Avoid Use Of Oily Body Care Products
It’s natural to want to use the best products while in the shower or while washing your face. However, much like cooking grease you’re going to want to avoid using products that are oil-based or feel greasy to the touch, as these are likely to have poor results when going down your shower and sink drains.
Use Natural Clog Removal Products
If you do find yourself with a clog, avoid the harsh chemicals. Over time, use of chemical products can cause corrosion to your piping. Try using a baking soda and vinegar combination first for a more natural declogging solution.
Avoid Disposing “Flushable” Products
We all know that disposal of feminine hygiene products down the toilet is a big no-no as it’s the fastest way to a clogged drain. Unfortunately, the same rings true for many wipes and other items that are labeled as “flushable.” The deterioration time just isn’t the same rate of toilet papers and may cause clogging down the line.
Use A Drain Screen
A drain screen is always a good idea, whether you’re in the shower and need to catch hair, or you’re in the kitchen and need to catch food particles, proper use of a drain screen will go a long way in preventing clogs.
Following these 6 tips to prevent a clogged drain will assist in avoiding a clogged pipe and an expensive mess. Pipe breakages and drain overflows can easily be caused by an unattended clog, leading to unwanted water damage. If you do experience water damage due to plumbing failure in the Sonoma County area, give RCS a call. Our 24/7 emergency response team will come right away to assess the situation and resolve your water damage concerns.
