Plumbing Tips & Tricks For Homeowners in College Station & Bryan, TX
You don't need to be a plumbing expert to keep your systems safe and functional. Knowing some basic best practices can help you keep your plumbing in good condition and reduce the frequency of problems that might pop up. This saves you time, money, and stress over time.
We have compiled some of our favorite tips and tricks for any homeowner in the Bryan and College Station, TX area who wants to know how to keep their plumbing systems in good working order for years to come.
Our Plumbing Tips:
- Locate Shut-Off Valves: You should always know where the shut-off valves are in your home. When you move in, note the location of the main shut-off valve and drain, as well as any sewer line access points. This helps you to act quickly if you need to shut off your water in an emergency.
- Keep Your Pipes Clear: Cooking grease can build up in your pipes and cause severe plumbing issues down the line. Try not to pour liquid grease down the drain. Before washing pots and pans, wipe out congealed grease with a paper towel.
- Don't Ignore Leaks: Even the smallest leak can lead to huge issues and expensive repairs down the line - to say nothing of the water you lose. Make the repair or contact our plumbing contractor as soon as possible if you notice a leak.
- Never Over-Tighten Fittings: Tightening your connections and fittings can lead to stripped screws and broken bolts. Hand-tight is just fine.
- Eco-Friendly Products Help Protect Your Plumbing: Use biodegradable soaps and detergents.
- Eliminate Odors: Foul odors occur from a buildup of food debris inside your garbage disposal. To eliminate these odors, place ice cubes and lemon peels in the disposal and run for about 30 seconds, then rinse with cold water.
- Keep an Eye on Your Water Pressure: Water pressure in your home above 60 pounds per square inch is harmful to your plumbing system and will cause excessive water usage. Contact your local water authority to find out what the water pressure is on your street. If it exceeds 60 pounds, consider installing a pressure-reducing valve that will limit the water pressure within your home.
- Invest in a Drain Vacuum: When a hard object such as a toy, a toothbrush, or a comb plugs a toilet or a drain, plunging the drain might actually push the obstruction deeper into your pipe. Instead, you can use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck out the water and the object.
- Use a Bucket of Water to Flush Your Toilet: If you need to turn the water supply off to your home, prepare beforehand for any bathroom breaks by filling a 2-gallon bucket with water. Dump the water from the bucket into the toilet to flush it - you'll get one flush per bucket. Though it won't refill your toilet bowl afterwards, this method works just as well as flushing normally.
- Know What Your Garbage Disposal Can Handle: Read the manufacturer's label for your garbage disposal before dumping food waste down there so you can learn what, exactly, your unit can accommodate. Some items, such as coffee grounds, will likely still clog your pipes.
Any Questions? Ask Our Experienced Plumbing Contractors!
Most homeowners can avoid serious issues with just a little bit of upkeep and common sense. However, if there are any plumbing problems that leave you scratching your head, it's best to enlist the help of a professional plumbing contractor. Our professionals have the knowledge, equipment, and training to resolve any issues and prevent more serious problems from developing. At Brazos Valley Sewer Drain Service, we can handle anything from drain cleaning and minor plumbing services to gas line replacement, sewer line repair, and more.
If you have any questions about these tips or our comprehensive
plumbing services, give our plumbing contractors a
call today . We serve Bryan, College Station, and the surrounding areas of Texas.
