Preventative Maintenance: Resolving Small Plumbing Issues

Your home’s plumbing is not completely autonomous; drains and pipes do need care to remain in good working condition. A little preventive plumbing maintenance can go a long way toward saving you time and money due to common plumbing problems. Knowing how to handle small problems—and when it’s time to call the plumber—can help you keep your home’s plumbing in great repair.

Slow Drains

Over time, debris builds up in your drains and plumbing pipes, causing them to work slowly. If not addressed, these clogs can completely block your pipes. The trick to preventing plumbing clogs is to address them while they’re small. Avoid using drain-clearing chemicals, as these can actually damage your plumbing in the process of clearing it. Instead, try an enzymatic drain cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clear out a slow drain. For slightly larger clogs, use a plunger or auger to break up and remove the clog physically. If you can’t address a clog on your own, contact your plumber for professional assistance.

Running Toilets

A running toilet can waste many gallons of water each day. The most common cause of a running toilet is a damaged or misaligned flapper valve. Lift the cover off the toilet tank and take a look inside. The handle used to flush the toilet is attached to a lever and valve—this is the flapper valve. If the valve isn’t aligned properly over the drain at the bottom of the tank, water will continually run from the tank to the bowl. If realigning the flapper valve over the drain doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to replace it. You can replace the valve yourself, or contact your plumber for help.

Do you have questions about maintaining your plumbing? Whether you need plumbing tips, maintenance, or repairs, Silverado Rooter & Plumbing offers the service you need in Tucson. You can reach us by calling (520) 696-0000 or filling out our online contact form. You’ll find more preventive maintenance and plumbing repair tips on our blog.