How To Prevent A Plumbing Disaster At Home
Plumbing disasters are common in the United States, especially in states prone to urban flooding or extreme weather throughout the year. Nearly 1 in 60 homes nationwide make an insurance claim for freezing or water damage every year. These claims comprise almost 29% of all filings, placing these instances second after hail and wind damage.
Although between the 20 years from 1996 and 2019, 99% of US counties were impacted by some form of water damage, a few were at greater risk and therefore sustained a larger impact than others. In areas like Long Island, New York, more than 13% of all properties have a 26% chance of water damage due to flooding.
Common plumbing disasters
Flooding is not the only reason for a plumbing disaster in your home. There are various other causes, but what exactly counts as a major plumbing problem? They include but are not limited to:
- Water leaking from pipes or faucets
- Blockages in the sewer system
- Clogging of toilets
- Backflowing water because of obstruction in pipes
- Broken or frozen pipes
- Leaks in tiles and slabs
Are you a resident of Long Island? If you encounter any of these issues, even if it is minor, it would be best to look up the keywords long island plumbing company near me to locate a reliable and professional business to handle the repairs for you.
Plumbing disasters can come with hefty repair costs that average in the tens of thousands. It is, therefore, best to take steps to mitigate the risk of such circumstances arising in the first place. Here are a few ways to help you do just that:
- Start by ensuring that sink drains don’t get blocked
Numerous drains in your home that lack adequate garbage disposal systems, such as kitchen and bathroom sinks and showers, are extremely prone to clogging. This implies that as time goes on and the issue of large objects going down the sink is frequently disregarded, dirt, grime, and other objects accumulate in the pipes every time you have a shower in the bathroom or braid your hair.
This leads to the deterioration of drainage pipes, which makes a big mess. Over time, the build-up of different materials you leave in the sink will clog pipes, sometimes even breaking them because of the pressure. If you don’t want any of this to occur, buy washbasin strainers that will capture objects being flushed off to the sewer line. Also, ensure you clean these strainers occasionally so that water flow isn’t restricted.
- Avoid flushing plastic items and wipes
A lot of people prefer to use their flushes to dispose of various items like sanitary items, condoms, and even wipes. Also, a common item used in homes these days is flushable wipes which, although advertised as such, don’t biodegrade. All these items are not meant to go into flushes as they are large enough to block pipes and clog the toilet over time.
The problem with flushing plastics down the toilet is that they don’t dissolve or biodegrade as they move through the sewer line. You don’t know if they make it to the main disposal system, which indicates that there are strong chances of the things getting stuck midway. As time passes and you continue this practice, you inadvertently invite a plumbing disaster yourself.
- Be wary that chemical treatments don’t always work
Most people prefer to take the DIY route when they witness their drains showing signs of clogging. This involves using numerous chemicals and acids. What they don’t realize is that these substances are corrosive and can eat away the pipes. In most cases, drainage lines are made of plastic which damage and deteriorate quite easily because of the chemicals.
Therefore, you must understand that a chemical-free route is the best way to unclog drains. Drain snakes and plungers are ideal in this regard. If you want to use a chemical, use the old-school method of working with vinegar and hot water. Flush a mixture of these substances down the sink or toilet, and they should work their magic ideally.
- Don’t ignore any leaks that you identify
The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that more than 3,000 gallons of water are wasted each year through leaks in homes. On top of that, even the smallest leak can add as much as $15 a month to your water bill. While this feels minimal, the wastage over time can become quite substantial.
That’s not it. The smallest leak can result in seepage occurring across the home. You can witness the signs of a leak throughout the walls, flooring, or ceiling of your property. Not only does this damage the paint, but it also weakens the integrity of the structure. Ignoring water leaks for a long time can also cause mold to grow, which is another major problem in itself.
Therefore, as soon as you find a leak anywhere in your faucets or drainage pipes, get in touch with a professional repair company as soon as possible. Ensuring that the leak is fixed in a timely and effective manner has a lot of benefits which involve reversing all of the consequences mentioned here.
- Use steel braided hoses instead of rubber ones
Your washing machine runs the risk of bursting if it has rubber hoses. Moreover, this might happen when no one is home, which could result in significant leaks and additional moisture in your house. Depending on when the accident happens, you may be coming home to a place flooded with a lot of low-lying items already submerged and damaged beyond repair.
That is obviously not ideal, and you need to prevent such plumbing issues. In order to do that, be sure to switch out your washing machine’s hoses made from rubber with metal hoses if you intend to avert this problem. It is best to use stainless steel hoses since they work most efficiently in avoiding potential leaks.
Conclusion
A plumbing disaster can occur at any time, and while it may not always result from something you or other family members did, it still involves a lot of inconvenience and monetary damages. This is why it pays to take steps and avoid any such issue from occurring as best as you can. The steps listed above are bound to help a lot in this case.
