Nobody wants to call the plumber in the middle of a holiday dinner, but having guests over can put an unexpected strain on your home’s pipes. This time of year, plumbing trouble becomes more frequent, and there’s nothing worse than trying to deal with sewer blockages, frozen pipes or sluggish showers. Instead, prepare your home in advance with these expert plumbing tips from Southern Trust Home Services.
Can I Pour Grease Down the Sink?
One of the largest causes of residential plumbing trouble is a clogged drain, and these are especially common in sink and dishwasher drain pipes. The most common culprit is a pipe clogged with fat, oil or grease, as well as scraps of whatever food or material has been washed down afterward. Instead of rinsing leftover fat down the drain, scrape it out with a paper towel and throw it in the garbage, and your kitchen pipes will stay clean and clog-free.
Can Drain Cleaner Damage Plumbing?
If we’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that chemical drain cleaners do more harm than good. They can slowly warp or dissolve the pipes in your home, causing weak spots and even leaks over time. These solvents are designed to dissolve clogs in half an hour or less, but that means they’re sitting in contact with the pipe walls, breaking them down while they work on the clog. The best way to clean a clogged drain is to break up clogs with a high-quality commercial-grade plunger, boiling water, an unbent wire coat hanger or a plumbing snake. If all else fails, just call a plumber when they’re too tough to deal with on your own.
Are Flushable Wipes Really Flushable?
There are so many things that claim to be flushable now, but most of them probably aren’t. Wet wipes and even certain kinds of toilet paper don’t break down when they’re wet and get caught in the 3-inch drain pipe from your home to the sewer or septic system.
How Can I Stop a Burst Pipe?
If the worst does happen, and you end up with a burst pipe, knowing how to shut off the water supply can save your home from thousands of dollars in damages. Then you can call a licensed plumber to fix the problem.
At Southern Trust Home Services, we’re dedicated to helping the Roanoke community year-round. If you encounter plumbing trouble this holiday season, give us a call at 540-343-4348 or schedule an appointment with Southern Trust online.
