Essential Plumbing Tips
We at Blake & Wilcox Inc. believe that a proactive plumbing approach can save time and resources. These invaluable plumbing tips are a comprehensive guide for those keen on preventing common plumbing issues.
Proper Drain Maintenance
- When dealing with a clogged drain, avoiding liquid drain cleaners is essential. Instead, attempt clearing the blockage using a plunger or hand snake. If these methods prove ineffective, it's wise to enlist the services of a professional plumber or drain cleaning company.
- But suppose a liquid drain cleaner has been used unsuccessfully. In that case, it's important to note that most professional plumbers will wait 24–48 hours before attempting further remedies to allow the drain cleaner's acid to dissipate properly.
Toilet & Faucet Handling Tips
- Avoid causing damage to your toilet by refraining from putting chlorine tablets in the tank. This is because they can deteriorate the rubber components, leading to leaks.
- If you find that the handles of your toilet or faucet shut-off valves are stuck, try loosening the packing nut situated behind the handle. This can often help free the handle stem. Remember to tighten the packing nut securely after restoring movement to the handle to prevent potential leaks in the future.
Winter Precautions & Appliance Maintenance
- During winter, disconnect your garden hose to prevent frost-proof hose bibs from freezing and sustaining damage.
- Consider replacing rubber washing machine hoses with stainless steel braided ones to prevent potential disasters.
- Use white vinegar to dissolve lime deposits on faucets and shower heads effectively.
- For troubleshooting a sump pump issue, if you have two plugs connected, disconnect them and test the pump separately from the switch. If you don't have these dual plugs, check your breaker panel for tripped circuit breakers.
Embracing these preventative measures will help you avert potential plumbing disasters. However, if you still have problems, connect with us, and we will assign a professional plumber to help you.
