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Have you ever been sitting happily, enjoying a drink? Then all of a sudden your child yells that the toilet is blocked up. A plumbing emergency is never fun to deal with, and when it’s in your house, it can be even worse.
Having a toilet that is clogged or a kitchen sink that is regurgitating old grease is a reminder that you have the luxury of plumbing indoors. Silver linings and all that. It’s not much of a consolation when you’re facing a plumbing emergency and thick, oozy grime is rising up through your pipes, though.
There is no guarantee that you’ll never experience a plumbing issue. However, there are ways you make sure the risk is kept to an absolute minimum. First, follow these plumbing tips then contact an emergency plumbing company.
Be Sink Smart
Frying the kids up some bacon? Remember grease from the pan should never be poured down the sink. It may seem like the easy option when you’re cleaning up after cooking a meal but don’t risk it. It can clog up the pipes.
Instead, wait for it to harden, then scrape it into a plastic bag and dispose of that way. Or pour into an empty bottle that you are ready to throw away and let it harden there rather than in your pipes.
Be Flush Smart
Toilets are not designed to flush mounds of toilet paper at one time. Kids are very guilty of this. Make sure you are keeping an eye on what they use and flush.
And remember to never flush baby wipes. They aren’t made of the right material and are likely to get caught in U-bends.
Be Winter Smart
The cold weather is not a kind friend to your plumbing, with frozen pipes being a casualty of a sudden drop in temperature. Pipes can crack and burst under the pressure and drains can freeze. This can cause leaks and flooding– not something you want to deal with first thing in the morning!
Make sure your home and pipes are well insulated. It may also be a good idea to seal your bathroom windows and put an electric heater in the bathroom to keep the temperature constant.
Be Clean Smart
Kids can grime up toilets pretty badly. While it won’t seem like the most fun idea ever, reaching down the toilet with an old-fashioned toilet brush is the best way to clean the toilet.
The chemicals and bleaches that are marketed as ‘drop-in’ aren’t always safe for your toilet. They could damage your water pipes, which will eventually cause a leak.
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
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These are really important tips to know! I’ve also heard that the toilet wipes that are advertised as flushable really shouldn’t be because they can’t get caught too.
That’s not good! My grandfather is a fan of those wipes.
This is a great post. I remember once when I was a kid I flushed a little ballerina doll. I am sure my grandfather was anything but happy lol.
Awe, seeing if she could swim?
These are all excellent tips!
I love all these ideas like dealing with a plumbing emergency . Thanks for sharing.
We’ve had to call a plumber a few times. Leaking sinks or toilets that won’t flush properly.
All these tips are awesome! They are good for anyone with or without kids! Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad these plumbing tips helped you out