Tips to Avoid Plumbing Emergencies

Plumbing emergencies can happen to anyone, but there are things that you can do to help prevent them in your home. Speedy Rooter Plumbing, a leading plumber in Charlottesville, VA, shares our expert tips below:

Watch What You Flush

Many plumbing issues are the result of someone flushing the wrong things down the toilet. As a rule, the only things that should ever be flushed are human waste. Anything else will eventually clog your toilet. Toilet paper and anything marketed as flushable should be kept away from your pipes to prevent the need for frequent plumbing repairs.

Never Pour Oil and Grease Down Your Drain

Oil and cooking grease may seem like they would simply pass through your drains and pipes, but as they cool down, they solidify and clog your pipes. To keep your kitchen drains clean and clog-free, we recommend pouring your used cooking grease and oil in a glass jar to let cool. Once it has hardened, you can simply throw it away in the garbage. If you have a habit of disposing of used oil down the drain, schedule regular drain cleaning with a professional plumbing company.

Know How to Shut Off Your Water

If you do have a leak or a burst pipe, you’ll need to shut off your water as quickly as possible to avoid too much damage. If you don’t know where your house’s main shut-off valve is, take some time to find it. You’ll never know when you’ll need it. Naturally, if you have to shut off your water, make sure to contact plumbing services to fix your pipes as soon as you can. Don’t turn your water back on until you know it’s safe to do so.

Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners do seem to work wonders when you have a clogged drain, but they contain caustic ingredients that could damage your pipes. Avoid using them at all, and instead, turn to a professional for drain cleaning services.

If you have an emergency plumbing issue and are in need of a reliable plumber, contact Speedy Rooter Plumbing today.