10 Plumbing Tips for Every Utah Homeowner
Ways to Keep Your Plumbing Healthy in Northern Utah
From leaky faucets to clogged drains, plumbing problems often come without warning
and can quickly turn into expensive repairs. The good news is that plumbing doesn't
have to be stressful with these 10 essential plumbing tips that every homeowner should
know to help prevent costly repairs and keep things stress free.
1. KNOW WHERE YOUR MAIN WATER SHUT OFF VALVE IS
One of the first things you should do when you move into a new home is locate the main
shut off valve. This is important in the event of a plumbing emergency, such as a burst
pipe, knowing where to turn the water off quickly can save you a lot of money and
potential damage. The valve is usually located in the basement, crawl space, or outside
near the water meter. If you need help in locating your water shut off valve Wright's
Plumbing and Rooter is happy to help.
2. CHECK FOR LEAKS
A leaky faucet can leak up to 3,000 gallons of water a year! With all that water you are
looking at some pretty costly repairs
3. DON”T POUR GREASE DOWN THE DRAIN
Fats, oils, and grease while when warm they look like they will go down a drain easily
but once they cool and become solid it blocks up the drain not allowing anything to
pass. After cooking, instead of pouring leftover grease down the drain, pour it into a
disposable container or can, then once it hardens, throw it away. Making this a regular
habit will save your plumbing in the long run.
4. USE DRAIN GUARDS
Food particles, hair, soap scum, as well as any other sort of debris will cause your
home's drain to clog or back up. Install drain guards or screens in sinks, tubs, and
showers to catch debris before it can enter the pipes. These inexpensive devices are
easy to clean and can help prevent costly repairs in the future.
5. BE CAREFUL WITH WHAT YOU FLUSH
There are many things that are advertised to be safe to be flushed down the toilet. Items
like Flushable wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products will easily cause clogs in
your plumbing. These items don’t break down easily leading to clogs and blockages that
will require professional assistance to clear.
6. KNOW HOW TO UNCLOG DRAINS SAFELY
Getting a clogged drain is common. Before reaching for harsh chemical drain clearers
there are safer options, ones that won’t eat away at your plumbing. We suggest using a
drain snake first to unclog any hair or other debris. And if that doesn’t readily work using
a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to first loosen it up and then using the snake again
should resolve the clogged drain. If after these methods the clog still persists you may
need professional help.
7. INSPECT YOUR WATER HEATER REGULARLY
In our personal opinion your water heater is one of the most important appliances in
your home. Checking your water heater regularly will help to extend its lifespan. When
checking look for leaks, water corrosion, or strange noises.
8. DON’T OVERLOAD YOUR GARBAGE DISPOSAL
While a garbage disposal looks and sounds like it can handle anything you throw at it.
Stuffing it too much with food scraps will lead to a jam or even burning out. Which will
then lead to costly replacements. Avoid putting large bones, fibrous vegetables, grease,
or starchy foods (like pasta or rice) down the disposal. Instead scrape off food particles
in the garbage. This will prolong the life of your disposal.
9. MAINTAIN PROPER WATER PRESSURE
Low water pressure can make everyday tasks like showering or washing dishes
frustrating, while high water pressure can damage your pipes over time. If you notice a
change in your water pressure it might be time to check your pressure regulating valve.
The ideal pressure for your home is between 40-60 psi. If you are having trouble
checking your valve we can help!
10.SCHEDULE ROUTINE PLUMBING INSPECTIONS
Even with regular maintenance, plumbing issues can develop over time. Plumbing
issues can disrupt your daily life and lead to costly repairs, but with a little preventative
care, you can avoid many common problems. To catch potential problems early,
schedule a professional plumbing inspection every 1-2 years. You can schedule with Wright's Plumbing and Rooter here!
By knowing where your shut-off valve is, being mindful of what you put down the drains,
and maintaining your plumbing systems, you can keep everything running smoothly.
Regular inspections and prompt repairs will go a long way in ensuring your plumbing
