fbpx

Let’s face it, enduring a plumbing emergency is the worst. Imagine a relaxing bubble bath turning into a cold shower nightmare because of a burst pipe. Or a delicious home-cooked meal interrupted by a clogged garbage disposal overflowing with mystery goo.

Yikes! According to HomeServe, the average cost of a plumbing emergency can range from $300 to $1,500, depending on the severity. Enough to make anyone want to grab a plunger and a wrench and head for the hills!

But wait! Before you barricade yourself in your bathroom with a lifetime supply of toilet paper, here’s the good news: many plumbing emergencies can be prevented with a little proactive care. By incorporating some simple habits into your routine, you can save yourself the stress (and expense) of a major plumbing mishap.

Think Before You Flush (and Grind!)

Our toilets and garbage disposals are workhorses, whisking away our waste with impressive efficiency. But just like any hardworking appliance, they have their limitations. Here’s how to avoid turning your trusty waste disposal units into a plumbing emergency:

  • Not all scraps are created equal: Coffee grounds, grease, and eggshells are the enemies of your garbage disposal. These items can clog the blades and pipes, leading to unpleasant backups. Stick to grinding up fruit and vegetable scraps for a smooth-running disposal.
  • Give it a cold shower: After grinding food scraps, chase them down the drain with a good flush of cold water. This helps clear away any lingering bits and keeps your disposal fresh.
  • Oil is not your friend: Oil and grease can solidify in your pipes, causing major clogs. Instead of pouring leftover cooking oil down the drain, let it cool and solidify, then scrape it into a trash can.

The same goes for your toilet! While it’s tempting to flush anything and everything down this convenient porcelain vortex, resist the urge. Your toilet is designed to handle human waste and toilet paper only. Flushing foreign objects like feminine hygiene products, flushable wipes (despite their name!), or medication can lead to blockages and overflows – a true plumbing emergency!

Be Gentle with Your Pipes

plumbing inspection

Our plumbing systems are a network of pipes working tirelessly behind the scenes. Here’s how to keep them happy and avoid a plumbing emergency:

  • Hot water woes: Avoid pouring excessive amounts of hot grease or oil down your drains. These substances can solidify and clog your pipes, especially if the hot water loosens any existing debris.
  • Chemical warfare: While harsh chemical drain cleaners might seem like a quick fix for a clog, they can actually damage your pipes over time. Opt for natural clog-clearing methods like baking soda and vinegar or a trusty plunger whenever possible.
  • The power of prevention: Schedule regular inspections of your plumbing system by a licensed plumber. They can identify potential problems early on before they escalate into a major plumbing emergency.

By following these simple tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of a plumbing emergency. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound (or gallon) of cure (and a hefty bill)!

For those times when disaster strikes, and a plumbing emergency is unavoidable, don’t hesitate to call a qualified plumber. They have the expertise and tools to get your plumbing system back up and running in no time.

Bonus Tip: Embrace the Power of Knowledge!

Did you know the average person uses about 7 gallons of water per flush? That’s a lot of water! By installing a low-flow toilet, you can significantly reduce your water usage without sacrificing flushing power. Small changes like this can add up to big savings on your water bill and help conserve this precious resource.

Here are some other interesting plumbing facts to keep you entertained:

  • The world’s oldest sewer system is still in operation in Rome, Italy, dating back to the 6th century BC! Talk about some seriously durable pipes!
  • The world’s largest toilet seat is located in Kimball, Nebraska, and measures a whopping 48 feet wide and 12 feet tall. That’s one throne fit for a king (or queen) of plumbing!

Our plumbing systems are a network of pipes working tirelessly behind the scenes. Here’s how to keep them happy and avoid a plumbing emergency:

clogged drain pipe

  • Hot water woes: Avoid pouring excessive amounts of hot grease or oil down your drains. These substances can solidify and clog your pipes, especially if the hot water loosens any existing debris.
  • Chemical warfare: While harsh chemical drain cleaners might seem like a quick fix for a clog, they can actually damage your pipes over time. Opt for natural clog-clearing methods like baking soda and vinegar or a trusty plunger whenever possible.
  • The power of prevention: Schedule regular inspections of your plumbing system by a licensed plumber. They can identify potential problems early on before they escalate into a major plumbing emergency.

By following these simple tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of a plumbing emergency. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound (or gallon) of cure (and a hefty bill)!

Contact Action Plumbing Today

For those times when disaster strikes, and a plumbing emergency is unavoidable, don’t hesitate to contact Action Plumbing Heating Air & Electric. They have the expertise and tools to get your plumbing system back up and running in no time. Bonus Tip: Embrace the Power of Knowledge!

Did you know the average person uses about 7 gallons of water per flush? That’s a lot of water! By installing a low-flow toilet, you can significantly reduce your water usage without sacrificing flushing power. Small changes like this can add up to big savings on your water bill and help conserve this precious resource.

By incorporating these preventative measures and embracing a little plumbing know-how, you can transform yourself from a potential victim of a plumbing emergency into a plumbing pro! Remember, a little effort on your part can save you a lot of stress (and money) down the road.

Our homes are filled with hidden complexities, and plumbing systems are no exception. While seemingly straightforward, many plumbing myths and misconceptions surround everyday plumbing practices, potentially leading to costly mistakes or even disasters. Let’s debunk some of the most common plumbing myths and help you navigate your home’s plumbing with confidence:

Plumbing Myth #1: “Flushable” wipes are safe for toilets.

Reality: Despite the label, “flushable” wipes don’t break down like toilet paper and can cause significant clogs in your sewer line. They contribute to “fatbergs,” a combination of wipes and other non-biodegradable materials that create massive blockages in municipal sewage systems. Stick to toilet paper for a trouble-free flush.

Plumbing Myth #2: Hot water dissolves grease down the drain.

Reality: While hot water seems like it would melt grease, it actually solidifies it further down the pipe, leading to stubborn clogs. Grease should never be poured down the drain. Instead, scrape it into a container and dispose of it properly in the trash.

Plumbing Myth #3: Chemical drain cleaners are a quick fix for clogs.

Reality: These harsh chemicals can damage your pipes, leading to leaks and even corrosion. They can also be hazardous to your health and the environment. Try natural methods like a plunger or a baking soda and vinegar solution for minor clogs. If the issue persists, contact a professional plumber.

Plumbing Myth #4: A dripping faucet is a minor inconvenience.

Reality: Even a slow drip can waste gallons of water over time, leading to higher water bills. A leaky faucet can also signify worn-out components that, if left unaddressed, could lead to a bigger and more expensive problem later. Don’t ignore a dripping faucet; get it repaired promptly.

Plumbing Myth #5: Putting a brick in the toilet tank saves water.

Reality: While this might seem logical, a brick disrupts the toilet’s flushing mechanism, potentially causing overflows or incomplete flushes. This can lead to wasted water and potential damage to your toilet.

It’s important to be aware of these common myths about plumbing in order to avoid potential issues and costly repairs down the line. If you have plumbing problems, it’s best to seek help from a professional plumber. This will ensure that the issue is fixed correctly.

Remember, even a small leak or drip can lead to significant water waste and damage if not taken care of promptly. Don’t fall for these myths – prioritize the maintenance and repair of your plumbing fixtures to keep your home running smoothly.

Contact Action Plumbing Heating, Air & Electric

We understand the importance of a properly functioning plumbing system. By debunking these common plumbing myths, keeping your pipes running smoothly becomes easier, saving you money and avoiding costly disasters.

If you experience any plumbing issues, don’t hesitate to Contact us Today for professional help and expert advice. Our skilled plumbers are available around the clock for plumbing services near me, keeping your home comfortable and safe all year.

Art depicting idea of plumbers working on main sewer line

There are a few different clog or blockage types that are possible within a given plumbing system, and they are not all created equal. And on the more severe end of the spectrum here, at least in most cases, is a clog or blockage in your home’s main sewer line.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, our plumbing services include a wide range of solutions for main sewer line issues, including sewer line cleaning and trenchless sewer line repair. While many homeowners have dealt with a basic toilet clog or some other simple drain blockage issue, the main sewer line is an entirely different animal. This two-part blog series will dig into what makes sewer line clogs different from others, plus what causes them and how you can recognize their potential signs.

Sewer Clog Vs. Standard Clogs

So why are sewer line clogs different from a basic toilet backup or something else you can handle with a plunger? Well, because the sewer line is the central one that connects all the other main plumbing lines in your home.

A single clog in a sink drain, toilet or some other area can usually be remedied simply enough, whether via a plunger, drain snake or some other tool. During main sewer line backups, however, every drain in your home can become blocked all at once as the main system floods, leading to major concerns that typically can’t be solved so easily.

Our next few sections will dig into the common causes of main sewer line clogs and backups, plus how they can be avoided so you don’t run into these issues.

Tree Root Concerns

As the home’s primary feeder to the municipal sewer system, your main sewer line typically runs out of your house and through your back yard in piping below the ground’s surface. In cases where your sewer line is damaged in any way, or even in some situations where it isn’t, tree roots from nearby trees may grow into the area and even directly into the pipes as they reach out in search of water sources. This blocks the flow of wastewater, and the issue only increases with time as the roots expand.

For this reason, it’s important to understand where your main sewer line is and manage tree roots in the area. If you’re considering planting new trees, know your sewer line location and avoid it entirely.

Toilet Usage and Items Flushed

Another possible cause of main sewer line blockage: Materials being flushed down the toilet that do not belong there. This includes literally anything other than human waste and toilet paper, even certain wipes listed as “flushable” on the packaging – you still shouldn’t flush these. Toilet paper is made to break down within sewer lines and avoid clogging risks, which is why it’s the only approved material to flush other than your own waste.

For more on clogs in your main sewer line, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.