3 Ways To Avoid Plumbing Disasters

Plumbing disasters are a headache for everyone, whether you're an experienced homeowner or a first-time renter. In order to avoid common plumbing issues, watch out for these common plumbing problems and learn how to prevent the issues in the first place.

Broken Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are convenient tools that let you eliminate kitchen scraps and debris right in the sink. Usually, this is a quick and efficient way to clean up without moving garbage from food preparation areas to the trash can. If used incorrectly, however, garbage disposals can be finicky and difficult to fix. One of the top reasons garbage disposals stop working is that objects becomes caught in the blades. To avoid that, use a drain strainer at all times to prevent utensils, sponges, and other non-food objects from making their way into the blades.

Food items can also clog up disposals and cause problems, especially tough scraps like potato peels. If grease or other buildup is causing problems, flush the sink with boiling water regularly, and make a practice of disposing grease in the garbage instead of the sink.

Clogged Sink and Shower

Some of the most common plumbing maladies, clogged bathroom sinks and showers, result from hair accumulating around and inside the drain. When hair gets into the drain and prevents water from passing through, the drain will begin to back up and stop functioning properly.

Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to address this issue. First, purchase a few affordable drain screens and cover the shower and sink drains. These screens will catch hair and other large debris, and they're typically very easy to clean.

If your drain makes using screens difficult, try sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda into the drain once every few weeks. Follow this up with a splash of white vinegar. This easy DIY clog prevention tool can help cut through the buildup and wash away any hair clogging the drain without adding harsh chemicals to the pipes or to the environment.

Flooded Washing Machine

A flooded washing machine can cause some serious issues throughout your household. Besides cosmetic damage, a flooded machine can lead to mold and other problems. If this happens more than once, it's a good idea to call a plumber to see if a plumbing upgrade can eliminate the issue before it happens again.

If this is the first time your machine has flooded, a faulty washing machine hose is normally the culprit. These hoses cost just a few dollars to replace, but faulty ones can lead to huge leaks and extensive flooding. If you check the hose at least once a year, you should be able to catch a faulty hose and change it out with no issue. Also, if you switch out a rubber hose for a braided one, you'll have a much lower chance of a burst hose in the first place.

Be aware of the common household plumbing issues and understand how to prevent them. With this knowledge in your back pocket, you can stay on stop of these problems and stop them before they even start.