Preventing Common Plumbing Issues

There are numerous small plumbing issues that plague Seattle homeowners, and many of them are preventable. With a few simple precautions, you can save yourself time, money, and stress. Below are tips from the experts at Best Plumbing on steps you can take to avoid some of the most common plumbing annoyances.

Problem: Clogged Shower or Bath Drain

Clogged shower and bath drains are most commonly caused by, hair and soap small objects. One of the easiest ways to avoid clogs is to use a shower/sink strainer to catch hair, earrings and small chunks of soap before they can get deep in your drain pipe and cause a blockage. Another suggestion is to use liquid shampoo and body wash.

Problem: Insufficient Hot Water

Often this is a case of using more hot water than your tank can produce. If it’s a consistent problem in your household, it might be wise to reduce your stress levels by investing in a water heater that suits your hot water usage. If that’s not an option at the moment, another solution is to get smart with hot water usage and avoid running multiple appliances that require hot water. For example, don’t run the washing machine or dishwasher while showering.

Problem: Kitchen Sink Backup

Your kitchen sink sees a lot of abuse. Food, debris, and grease all find their way down the drain daily. The main culprit of a clogged kitchen sink is grease, oil, and fats. These build up in the pipes and can cause major problems that require professional drain cleaning. Three ways you can help to avert a crisis down the line are to properly dispose of cooking fats in the trash, Run plenty of water during and after you use the disposer, and invest in products that help your pipes stay clean from grease build-up.

Problem: Leaky Pipes

A common cause of pipe leakage, besides age, is that water pressure is set too high. The higher the pressure, the more stress on your pipes and the more likely they are to spring a leak. Call a plumber to measure your water pressure and lower it if necessary. The type of water your home uses also affects how much strain it puts on your pipes. Hard water, which is common in parts of the Northwest, can result in mineral build-up and even corrode pipes. If you believe that you have hard water, one way to remedy the problem is by installing a water softener. If you have older pipes that are already damaged by mineral build-up, you might need to replace all or part of the system. An appointment with one of our expert plumbers can help you determine which solution would work best.

Get Started in Seattle Today

Find your local Seattle plumbing expert with Best Plumbing! We’ve been serving the Puget Sound area for 50 years. From minor concerns to emergency plumbing servings, we’re here to help 24/7. Give us a call at (206) 785-2551. Visit our website for more information, or check out our other blogs and YouTube channel for helpful plumbing tips!