9 Things Your Toronto Plumber Wants You to Know

Drain clogs and plumbing issues are notorious for cropping up during the holidays and summer months when our houses are packed with guests, friends, and family. Through all the cooking and eating, our plumbing system will be working overtime during these times. In fact, some plumbing companies experience a 50% increase in calls!

In order to avert any plumbing emergencies, we’ve put together these 9 tips that your plumber wants you to know.

1. Don’t ignore small problems

A leaky tap could signal the formation of a bigger problem, so don’t ignore it! Problems don’t usually solve on their own. A dripping faucet can lead to damage to your faucet, which means it will need to be replaced sooner. Meanwhile, it’s much cheaper and easier to simply have your plumber repair its seal.

2. Know the location of your water main

If you’re not sure where your main water shut-off valve is located, now would be a great time to find out. It doesn’t matter if you rent or own your home, you should know where the valve is so you can better manage a pipe leak or a flooding emergency.

While you’re at it, you should also learn if there are any other emergency water shut-off valves in your home, and how to operate them. If you’re unsure, you can always ask your plumber for some advice. It’s also not a bad idea to schedule a routine inspection so you can make sure your valves are working properly.

3. Avoid making your plumbing a DIY project

Achieving things on your own can feel really good, but it’s best to leave the plumbing to the professionals. In many cases, DIY homeowners can end up making things worse for themselves and their plumbing. Think twice before undertaking a plumbing job yourself. Your plumber can actually save you much more money, rather than you ending up making a mess with a DIY job.

4. Don’t flush sanitary products in the toilet

The only item you should be flushing down the toilet (besides human waste) is toilet paper. Never flush feminine hygiene products, cotton pads, toilet scrubbers, cat litter, makeup wipes, or personal hygiene wipes. Even products that say they are flushable are made from cotton, which gets caught in your pipes and can cause a massive clog. So, don’t listen to any of those claims, and toss these products in the trash where they belong.

5. Check your water heater from time to time

You might forget about your water heater’s existence since it sits in your basement and out of sight. However, you should try your best not to ignore it, and you definitely shouldn’t wait until the day it stops working to start paying attention. Be sure you flush your tank once a year and check on its anode for rust and oxidation. Of course, it’s best to have your plumber conduct this yearly inspection. Water heaters can cost thousands of dollars to replace, so keeping up with regular maintenance can help you save some serious money in the long run.

6. Never dump grease or fat in your kitchen sink

It’s really tempting to dump your bacon grease into your sink once you’re finished cooking your breakfast, but for your plumber’s sake, don’t do it! Grease, oil, and fat are not water soluble, and they will harden in your drains and cause major problems. Instead, wait for the grease to harden and scrape it into the garbage or wipe it up with a paper towel before washing it in the sink. This will help save you money and avoid your pipes clogging up.

7. Avoid the use of toilet fresheners

You might be in the habit of using toilet fresheners to keep your toilet water looking clean and smelling good, but did you know that they are harmful to your toilet pipes? These freshener tablets typically contain harmful chemicals that can work to deteriorate your toilet and plumbing over time, causing it to break down. Plus, as these tablets break down, they can get stuck in your toilet’s valve and prevent it from flushing.

8. Inspect and replace your hoses regularly

Ice makers, washing machines, and dishwashers have hoses, which can be prone to cracks or bursts. Plumbers recommend that you check them regularly to make sure that no cracks are forming and there are no twists or bulges. It’s helpful to get into the habit of replacing your hoses regularly before they start to deteriorate. We suggest that you switch them out every 5 years.

9. Don’t treat your garbage disposal like a trash can

While it might be super convenient and easy to just toss your trash into your garbage disposal, we strongly recommend that you avoid doing so. It’s only designed to handle small bits of food that come off your plate as you wash them. Disposals are not meant for major pieces of food or trash, and you definitely should avoid placing celery, potato skins, fruit, or meat into your garbage disposal.

For more information about clogged drains and other plumbing issues, call Drain King Plumbers at 416-661-5464 or contact us here.