Lauderdale by the Sea homeowners often fall into the trap of assuming they cannot sidestep plumbing problems. There is a common misconception that plumbing problems are one of life’s inevitabilities. However, homeowners who are proactive can prevent an array of plumbing problems or at least minimize the damage and costs that result from these challenges. Our plumbing company is more than willing to share some inside tips to help minimize your plumbing repairs and prolong your home plumbing system’s useful life. Let’s take a look at what you can do to prevent annoying and expensive home plumbing problems.
Prevent Water From Trickling out of Your Shower Head
If water sprays out of your shower head in random directions or if the water is impeded from moving out of the showerhead holes, you have the common problem of limescale buildup. Thankfully, this issue can be easily prevented with the proper preparations. Remove your shower head from time to time. Disconnect the spray plate. Soak the showerhead and spray plate with a descaling solution. Once your shower head is properly cleaned, it will allow water to flow through its holes without impediment. Ideally, you will perform this preventative maintenance at least once every six months so you do not end up with a mere trickle of water emanating from your shower head.
Maintain, Repair and/or Replace Your Sump Pump
Do not wait until the pounding rain arrives to check the functionality of your sump pump. Your sump pump is the initial and most important line of defense against those dreaded high water tables. If there is a significant amount of rain, you and every other Lauderdale by the Sea homeowner will face the prospect of a high water table and subsequent flooding. A malfunctioning sump pump amidst a torrential downpour is likely to result in a flooded basement and uber-costly water damage repairs. Though our Lauderdale by the Sea mold remediation crew is here to help in the aftermath of such an event, you have the power to dramatically reduce the chances of flooding.
All you have to do is check the functionality of your home’s sump pump every couple of months. Have your sump pump maintained, serviced, and replaced as necessary. Proper maintenance performed at strategically timed intervals will ensure this important flood-protection device is in working order throughout the entirety of the year.
Prevent Your Faucets from Dripping
Just about everyone has been subjected to a faucet that drips egregiously slowly. Such constant dripping is annoying and also costs you money with each passing second. Take the bull by the horns by replacing the washers within your home’s aging faucets. All you have to do is turn off the flow of water to the aged faucet, unscrew the handle, and replace damaged/aged washers and O-rings. Install a new washer, reassemble the faucet, and you won’t be greeted by the annoyance of a constant drip in the ensuing days. When in doubt, lean on our Lauderdale by the Sea plumbers for assistance. We will replace the leaky faucet’s compromised ceramic plate or other components as necessary.
Reset a Garbage Disposal That Grinds to a Halt
Even the top-of-the-line garbage disposals have the potential to end up at a grinding halt. A gnarled garbage disposal is not a lost cause. You can do your part to prevent gnarling and subsequent damage by pressing the disposal’s reset button from time to time. If the problem has already developed, manually turn the disposal with an Allen key to eliminate clogging. Just be sure to keep your fingers far away from the disposal’s blades.
Prevent Drain Clogs
Drain clogs are common yet they do not have to form in your Lauderdale by the Sea home plumbing system. Take the necessary precautions and you will do your part to prevent nasty drain clogging. Resist the temptation to take the easy road; there is no sense in purchasing a $5 chemical drain cleaner and dumping it down your drain. The better approach is to use a combination of hot water, salt, and baking soda. This all-natural alternative to chemical drain cleaners unclogs those pesky buildups without compromising the integrity of your plumbing system. Pour this natural clog-remover down your drains every couple of months and you will likely avoid dreaded clogs, ensure your home’s pipes remain functional, and save a bundle of money in the process.
Erica's Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Restoration Is at Your Service
Follow the tips set forth above and you will have done your part to prevent many of the top home plumbing problems. However, there are some major problems you simply cannot sidestep no matter what you do. It is better to lean on our plumbers than potentially worsen the situation with a DIY analysis and repair attempt.