Virtually all homeowners face plumbing problems at some point. This is because all piping systems and fixtures eventually wear out and require replacement. Fortunately, there are things 
homeowners can do to increase the longevity of these items. Below are some excellent tips from our licensed plumbers on how you can increase the efficiency and lifespan of the plumbing system in your home:
Always Handle Grease Properly
Never put grease, whether hot or cold, down the kitchen sink. No one can avoid tiny food particles or minuscule amounts of grease going down the drain occasionally. However, if you refrain from pouring considerable amounts of greasy substances down the sink, you significantly reduce your chances of ending up with blocked pipes. One great preventive measure you can take is to flush some dish detergent and the hottest water available down the drain of your sink for approximately two minutes once a week. This is a quick and cost-effective way to flush away grease before it has a chance to build up.
Keep an Eye on Youngsters
Many children, especially those who are very young, go through a phase when they become fascinated with water and may decide to flush toys, clothing, or wads of paper towels down the toilet. If you have youngsters in your home who are going through such a phase, a toilet seat lock is an inexpensive device that can prevent substantial problems if they flush the wrong things down the toilet.
Inspect Your Washing Machine
If you are like most homeowners, you probably make an effort to always run balanced loads in your washing machine. One of the reasons for this is that unbalanced loads result in strong vibrations during the spin and rinse cycles. Over time, this movement loosens plumbing connections, ultimately leading to damaged fixtures and pipes. Costly repairs are typically the result of this problem. Make sure loads are balanced and avoid overstuffing your washer to eliminate these issues.
Detect Toilet Leaks Early
The best way to discover a leak in your toilet before it becomes a major problem is to keep an ear out for strange sounds. Hissing or lisping sounds that occur for more than half a minute or so may be a sign that a leak has begun. You can check this easily by placing an inexpensive dye tablet in the tank. If the toilet bowl water turns the color of the dye, water is being wasted, and the toilet is in need of repair.
Locate Valves
Knowing where your plumbing valves are situated in your home is essential. In particular, it is important to find the main water valve shutoff. This is because being able to turn off the water to your entire home may be crucial if you are faced with a situation that could cause flooding. Even one inch of standing water can result in structural damage to your home. The main water shutoff valve is typically not found in the house, however. Instead, it is usually located on the periphery of your property. A qualified plumber can help you find this valve if you are having trouble locating it on your own. Additionally, you should find the valves for individual appliances such as your toilet, sink, and washing machine. Regardless of which valve it is, turning it clockwise stops the running water.
Knowing When to Call a Professional
While it is true that minor issues can often be fixed without the help of a professional, major repairs do not make good do-it-yourself projects. Rather, get in touch with one of our qualified plumbers who can complete the work in a professional, timely, and cost-effective manner.