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If youre a regular victim of plumbing problems, you might not be
performing enough regular maintenance on your drains and bathroom
fixtures in order to keep them running smoothly. Without proper care,
drains can become clogged, dirty, and can even corrode over time. If you
are constantly struggling with leaks, stoppages, or even the occasional
flood, its time to rethink your attitude towards bathroom care and
kick some common bad habits. Many of these problems can be completely
avoided. Here are some simple ideas to help keep the plumber away, and
what to do if you cant avoid that dreaded call.
Stop Blockages
The easiest way to keep your pipes free and clear of clogs is to prevent
them from occurring in the first place. Hair traps and other drain
filters trap large debris. If your drain isnt fitted with a filter or
plug, you can find many cheap traps at any home or hardware store. Clean
these after every use of your sink and shower, taking care to throw out
any hair or other clumps that can potentially stop up the drain. Its
also important to avoid habits such as trimming your hair over the sink
or flushing hygienic and sanitary products down the toilet. Its best to
throw these things in a trashcan than risk having a plumber fish them
out later.
Use the Proper Products
Have you ever read the instructions on the back of a cleaning product
before using it? Most people dont and take all-purpose or
all-surfaces too close to heart. Many cleaners are too harsh or can be
used improperly, causing surfaces or drains to become damaged. Not all
cleaners are suitable for handling plumbing issues, so it is important
to read all instructions and warnings carefully. For example, drain
cleaners are meant only for sinks and showers, using them in a toilet
bowl can eat through the seals and cause major damage.
Dont Wait
So what should you do if you realize you cant fix a leaky faucet, slow
draining pipe, or problem toilet? Dont wait or expect the plumbing
problem to disappear by itself. The sooner you call a professional
plumber, the less money and hassle youll have in the future. Leaving
problems unattended for too long can result in long term or permanent
damage that can be extremely costly. You can either pay a little now or a
lot later.
Background Check
Sure, maybe your next-door neighbor is pretty handy with a screwdriver,
but its best to leave serious plumbing issues to trained professionals.
Ask friends for referrals and check references to ensure youre getting
a legitimate and experienced plumber. It might take a bit of time, but
finding someone you trust will save you money and headaches. There are
many con artists around who can damage your pipes and fixtures while
charging you for the pleasure. Getting it done safely and right the
first time will be greatly worth your extra efforts.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
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