Every Illinois homeowner has run into the same problem at one time or another. Everything is business as usual when suddenly the house’s plumbing becomes clogged or pipes burst. These sorts of situations can range from mere inconveniences to both immediate and long-term property damage. It also doesn’t help that when pipes become damaged or obstructed a family’s quality of living degrades immensely. Between the cost of repairs putting a damper on future vacation plans and a lack of running water making meals and bathing impossible, breakdowns can be seriously troubling.
However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Although plumbing malfunctions will inevitably happen on any property every now and then, there are some smart habits that any homeowner can develop to reduce the frequency of these events from occurring.
Regular Maintenance
Even if you aren’t particularly experienced with plumbing or aren’t much of a handyman, you will still find that many retailers carry plumbing-related tools and chemicals that can help prevent problems from developing. Home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowes have entire aisles devoted to plumbing maintenance and installation. As professional contractors get their supplies from these stores, so too can the average homeowner purchase clog removal tools and pipe cleaning solutions.
In addition to regularly cleaning sinks and drains with these products, one should also remember to pay attention to the sound of their pipes. If you find that the sound of water rushing through your home’s plumbing has become more prominent or that drains are now making gurgling noises, then it may be time to investigate further. Should application of cleaning chemicals not correct these issues then you will need to call a professional.
Turning to Professional Services
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when dealing with plumbing is not asking for help when it’s clearly needed. The areas around Wheaton have plumbing repair professionals that can get the job done quickly and affordably. However, whether it be from stubborn pride or concerns about cost, some people try to handle pipe breaks themselves instead of calling for help. Although some of us have the knowledge to be able to mend these pipes, these are often temporary fixes at best.
Simply put, the longer a property owner waits to have pipes repaired the worse the damage becomes. On the off-chance that the breakdown is minor and can be handled by following simple instructions, one should make sure to never try these repairs on Sundays. This is due to the fact that many Greater Illinois area and Wheaton plumbing repair companies are closed at this time. This can mean a world of hurt if you happen to do irreversible damage to a pipe.
Remain Proactive in Keeping Pipes Clean
Aside from regularly maintaining your property’s plumbing and immediately calling for help when it’s needed, homeowners should also do what they can to avoid clogging the pipes in the first place. This can include throwing oversized solids into the trash instead of flushing them down toilets or sinks, frequently cleaning the garbage disposal if you own one, and removing hair and other possible clog causers instead of allowing them to go down the drain.
Jason Wersits is part of an elite team of writers who have contributed to hundreds of blogs and news sites. Follow him @Debaser404