The Best Plumbing Advice You’re Not Taking

The task of being in charge of your own plumbing can seem big and looming. How are you supposed to know what to do if you’re not a plumber?

Here is some advice to help keep your home’s plumbing in great shape without feeling overwhelming:

DIY Tool Kit

An artist is only as good as his paintbrush, and your home’s plumbing is only as good as your tool kit. It’s not a bad idea to build and update your toolkit; this will help you if you find yourself in a pinch.

The following is a good sample of items every homeowner should have on hand in case of a plumbing issue:

• Duct and plumbing tape
• A large bucket (5+ gallons)
• Drain snake
• Pipe wrench
• Pliers
• Emergency toilet paper
• Caulk gun and caulk
• Gloves
• Flashlight
• Plunger

Location

Another essential step is to become more familiar with your plumbing system, especially by locating the shut-off water valve. This can come in handy when you need to work on a plumbing issue and can help prevent flooding if you need to loosen or unscrew some pipes.

What Can Go Down?

Taking the time to learn what can be washed, flushed, or poured down your drain can make a huge difference in your plumbing’s lifespan. For example, did you know most “flushable” wipes are not good for your plumbing? Indeed, they can physically be flushed down the drain, but most do not break up or dissolve in the water. This means they can cause a build-up in your pipes and lead to a clog. Learning what to avoid putting down the drain can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration.

Vacuum to the Rescue

When facing a clog in your drain, the first instinct may be to grab a plunger. This is a reasonable inclination unless the item lodged in your pipe is something hard and sturdy like a child’s toy. Using a plunger in this situation will only push the object further down the drain. If you use a vacuum, you will be able to suck the item out without worrying about it being lodged further.

Are you still left with questions about your plumbing? Contact S & D Plumbing today! We have all the answers to ensure your plumbing is in top shape.