Published by Programme B
A good plumber has seen a lot. Just ask John The Plumber, the Ottawa plumber to call since 2006. In his nearly 15 years of serving the Capital of Canada, he’s seen some little oversights turn into expensive situations.
Here’s a list of plumber’s tips can save you a lot of money:
- Learn what is “Flushable”. As far as a plumber is concerned, toilet paper and human waste are flushable, and not a lot else. Products like “flushable wipes” are misleading. They don’t break down the same way that toilet paper can, so they are often a cause of stubborn clogs.
- Explain the importance of proper plumbing care to your children. A lot of plumbing service calls are the result of toys or garbage being flushed by a child who didn’t know better.
- When your drains clog, use a plunger! Plungers work on sinks just as well as toilets. If you can’t plunge the clog away, try using a wet/dry vacuum to suck it out instead!
- Don’t use your drain to get rid of grease or oil. I know it’s tempting, it’s so easy to run the hot water and pour grease down the drain… but that grease will cool down and solidify, and a grease clog is hard to fix.
- Put strainers on your drains. Strainers will catch hair, debris, and any other matter that can become a clog. It’s a $10 accessory that will save you big money if it prevents a clog.
- Check for leaks every once in a while. Leaks often go unnoticed. It doesn’t take long for a small leak to become a big moldy mess. Check under the sinks and in the basement from time to time.
- Be careful when nailing or screwing into the wall. A stud finder may help, but try to find out how the plumbing lines in your home run.
- Reduce the water pressure in your home. As nice as a strong shower is, your pipes may struggle to maintain integrity with too much pressure. 50-80 PSI is a safe bet.
- Locate your main water valve. If you break a pipe, you need to shut off the water fast! Know where it is so you can be ready.
- If you have hard water, get a water softener. Not only will your skin thank you, but your pipes will too. The hard matter in the water can settle and cause trouble over time.
- When replacing a faucet or other fixtures, don’t overtighten. Overtightening can strip, break, and make it extremely difficult to untighten. Instead, wrap male-end in a few rounds of plumber’s tape (Teflon tape).
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners. They do often work, admittedly. But they can wreak havoc on your pipes. There are safer and greener ways to fix a clog, that won’t eat away at your pipes.
- Keep trees and bushes away from your sewer line. Trees and bushes use their root system to find and collect nutrients. Some root systems can be extremely invasive and ruthless. Your sewer line is an all-you-can-eat buffet for that Maple tree you’ve grown to love. Just be careful!
- Upgrade your pipes to PVC. Other kinds of pipes will need to be replaced at some point. PVC pipes will likely outlive the rest of your home, and they’re more resistant to tree roots!
- Don’t let your pipes freeze! Make sure that your plumbing system is in conditions that will protect it from freezing, or they may burst. If you’re going away while the temperatures outside are cold, leave taps running just a bit. The movement of water will prevent the pipes from freezing and save you from the pipes bursting.
- Take advantage of nighttime electricity rates! Use your dishwasher and washing machine at night, when demand for electricity is lower. This can save you a ton of money!
If you need a plumber, call one! John The Plumber serves Ottawa, Barrhaven, Nepean, Kanata, Orleans, Manotick, Hamilton, Kingston, Etobicoke, Mississauga, and more! When you need a plumber you can count on, find a local plumber you can trust. They can offer advice that can save you tons of money in the long run.