How to Prevent Common Plumbing Emergencies

No one wants to call a plumber for an emergency repair. Clogged drains, busted pipes and water heater leaks can cause extensive problems and damage in your home. Yet, many of these issues can be prevented with proper plumbing maintenance. Here are a few tips to prevent these common plumbing emergencies.

  • Clogged drains. Clogs are caused by items that go down the drain that adhere to the inside of your pipes. Not allowing these items to go down your drains is the best way to prevent clogs. In the kitchen, avoid putting grease, fibrous peels, egg shells and coffee grounds down the drain. In the bathroom, use drain strainers and avoid flushing non-biodegradable items.
  • Busted pipes. You may not be able to prevent all busted pipes, but those that burst due to freezing temperatures can be prevented. Insulating pipes in garages, crawl spaces and outdoor faucets can help prevent freezing in unexpected cold weather that can lead to a plumbing emergency.
  • Water heaters. Tank water heaters have been the source of many plumbing emergencies. Leaking tanks can cause extensive water damage in homes. Keeping your water heater maintained to prevent tank corrosion and leaks can help prevent these issues. Another option is investing in a tankless water heater that doesn’t hold hundreds of gallons of water that can flood your home.

Using preventive measures can help reduce the chance of a plumbing emergency. But when a leak or clogged pipe occurs, make sure to get the help you need as quickly as possible to avoid more damage to your home by calling a professional plumber for your emergency.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 884-4678

Are Your Water Pipes Prepared for the Next Cold Snap?

It’s already been a cold winter in many parts of the country, even though December is only the beginning of the cold months ahead. If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to ensure your water pipes are ready for freezing weather. It only takes one cold snap to freeze your pipes, leaving you with no water and the possibility of an expensive burst pipe repair. Frozen pipes can often be prevented with just a little insulation, making this investment worth the effort and expense.

Insulating Water Pipes

If you live in an area prone to cold weather, you most likely already have insulated water pipes. However, freezing weather can and often does happen even in milder climates, and can do a number on your plumbing. The best solution is to add some insulation to your exposed pipes in order to give them protection during those winter cold snaps before the temperatures plummet. There are a few supplies you will need, like:

  • Insulating heat tape
  • Pipe sleeves
  • Newspaper

Any of these can help protect exposed pipes for areas which aren’t prone to long periods of freezing weather. Wrapping the pipes in crawl spaces, unheated basements and garages, plus any outdoor pipes for pools or spas, is good protection against an unexpected cold snap.

If you do end up with a frozen water pipe this winter, be careful when trying to thaw the pipe. Never expose the pipe to direct flame from a torch or other fire; always use a moderate heat source such as a space heater or blow dryer. Be aware that too much heat applied too quickly can cause the pipe to burst. In many cases, it is best to call in your local plumber to fix a frozen pipe so that they can inspect all your pipes to ensure that there’s no lingering damage.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934