[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px;padding: 5px 0px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”2/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text class=”cs-ta-left”]Clogged drains, blocked toilets, dripping faucets and leaky pipes – if you’re a homeowner, you’ve probably dealt with one or more of these issues. It’s good to know how to handle the small stuff and spot a problem, so we’re going to share some helpful advice from our master plumbers at HEP.
First of all, know how to handle the minor issues. If the toilet’s about to overflow, turn the water supply off and make sure you’ve got a plunger. It’s even better to keep a plunger in each bathroom, to save yourself from having to make to a different floor of your home. You can also fill a 2-gallon bucket with water and pour it directly into the bowl – giving you one flush per bucket.
Be wary of clog-inducing materials! Watch what’s going down the drain. Avoid things like fats or oils an fibrous foods like meat, fruits and vegetables. Throw them in the trash instead of down the drain. Do you have a garbage disposer in your sink? Always run cold water for a few seconds before turning it on, and only add food after the disposer has been activated. For toilets – avoid using too much toilet paper. Never flush paper towels and other objects that could prove problematic.
Your bathroom – a place of peace, or a watery battlefield? You decide.
Be sure you know where the water supply valves are to other appliances as well, such as your sinks, water heater, washing machine, etc. If something is going to leak, take comfort in knowing you won’t be dealing with what seems like an infinite amount of leaking water. If you do have a leak somewhere, address it now instead of waiting for it to become a major problem later on. Ignored leaks can cause mildew growth and can threaten the integrity of your fixtures and home.
Was your home built before the 70s? There’s a possibility that you’ve got galvanized iron pipes that can corrode and rust, leaving a slightly brown tint to the water. If you believe you’ve got this problem, call a HEP master plumber immediately. It’s a health hazard, and something you definitely don’t want to be ingesting!
When temperatures drop to or below freezing, let those faucets drip a little bit! Allowing the smallest amount of water flow will prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting – and that’s a nasty situation to have on your hands. There are also a variety of wraps and sleeves you can use to insulate the pipes in your home. Give us a call immediately if your pipes have already frozen, and we’ll help you out!
Doing any kind of alterations / installations through your walls? You might be considering opening up a wall between two rooms or doing something as simple as hanging a painting from a nail. We recommend using a stud finder to make sure you aren’t going to hit any pipes. That would be a disaster.
Be nice to your septic tank. Make sure you aren’t going to have a septic backup situation. If you think your tank may be in need of some attention, we’ve got a septic crew that can get the job done. They can also advise you on how frequently you should have your tank pumped.
So, there you have it! A couple of helpful pointers from the pros to keep your house healthy and efficient. Remember – practicing a little caution and regularly maintaining your home may seem like an extra chore, but it’s one you’ll thank yourself for.[/cs_text][cs_text class=”cs-ta-left”][cs_text class=”cs-ta-left”][cs_text class=”cs-ta-left”][cs_text class=”cs-ta-left”][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/3″ style=”padding: 10px;”][x_widget_area sidebar=”sidebar-main” ][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]