Emergency plumbing repair will become a reality for most Utah homeowners at some point. Water leaks, basement floods, burst pipes, sewage backups – those are just a few of the problems that can crop up at any time.
Fortunately, with a bit of basic preventive maintenance, many plumbing issues can be prevented. Our top Utah plumber tips can help you avoid costly emergency plumbing repair.
No. 1: Watch What Goes Down the Drains
Drains aren’t designed to handle whatever fits. Certain foods – including coffee grounds, grease and potato peels – can damage your plumbing. And, putting bones, seafood shells and non-food items down the drain is just asking for problems.
No. 2: Take Care of Your Toilets
Toilets aren’t meant to be used as trash bins. Just because something can be flushed, doesn’t mean it should. Flushing baby wipes, feminine napkins, cotton balls and other trash can easily lead to an emergency plumbing repair situation.
No. 3: Steer Clear of Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners are not your friend. Sure, they can clear small clogs – but they also eat away at your pipes. Don’t reach for chemicals too often, or you may end up reaching for the phone to call for plumbing repair.
No. 4: Protect Your Pipes
Taking precautions to prevent frozen pipes is a must in northern Utah. Adding insulation, running cold water when the temperature falls below freezing and keeping your cabinets open during cold snaps can help you avoid pipe bursts.
No. 5: Locate Your Main Water Shutoff Valve
If your plumbing springs a major leak, you’ll need to turn off the water flow as quickly as possible. Locate the main shutoff valve ahead of time to avoid flooding and major water damage when leaks occur.
No. 6: Check Your Water Pressure
Keep watch on your water pressure. If you notice a reduced flow from your showerheads, faucets and spouts, you may have sediment buildup in the pipes. And make sure the pressure isn’t set too high, or you’ll stress the plumbing system.
No. 7: Keep an Eye on Your Septic Tank
After heavy rains and storms, it’s a good idea to check the septic tank for overflows, water leaks and mechanical malfunctions. For emergency plumbing situations, you can also install a battery-powered backup sump pump.
No. 8: Make Preventive Maintenance a Priority
Water heaters, garbage disposals and other appliances need occasional maintenance to stay in good shape. Regular preventive care allows you to identify and fix problems before they grow out of control.
No. 9: Fix Drips & Leaks Immediately
Don’t let drips and pipe leaks go unattended. Ignoring the problem not only increases your water bill, but also puts undue stress on your plumbing system.
No. 10: Call in a Professional for Plumbing Repair
If you don’t know what you’re doing, don’t start a plumbing repair project. You might prefer to take care of the problem yourself, but without proper training you could make the situation worse.
If you live in northern Utah, the professionals at American Plumbing Services can solve your emergency plumbing repair problems quickly, professionally – and at an affordable price.
The American Plumbing Services team offers free consultations to homeowners throughout Utah and Salt Lake Counties. To schedule an appointment, or for expert emergency plumbing repair around the clock, contact our Provo office today.
