Does it seem like you’re constantly struggling with slow-draining showers and clogged toilets? Bad habits and a lack of plumbing maintenance can lead to common problems like these.
Use these tips to learn what to avoid, how to start a regular plumbing maintenance plan, and more.
1. Clean Your Showerhead
Dripping, blocked, or dirty showerheads aren’t as effective and can start to leak. Over time, your showerheads accumulate mineral deposits and get clogged up.
Thankfully, it’s easy to clean them. Simply remove the showerhead and soak it in vinegar for around 24 hours.
Perform routine cleaning by filling a spray bottle with vinegar and spraying and wiping down the showerhead.
If this doesn’t seem to make a difference, the problem may be with your showerhead or your water pressure. Try replacing your showerhead or testing your home’s water pressure.
You should regularly check your home’s water pressure, making it a part of your yearly plumbing maintenance checklist.
2. Watch What You Flush
As a rule, the only things people should flush down a toilet include human waste and toilet paper.
There are many things that people flush down the toilet, such as “flushable” wipes, pads, and tissues, that can cause clogs. If you’re flushing these items, you need to stop. Teach your kids what’s safe to flush and what isn’t as well.
Another common cause of plumbing problems? Using too much toilet paper. Large wads of toilet paper can cause blockages.
Avoid using more than necessary or switch to a stronger brand that requires fewer sheets. You also might want to consider investing in a bidet, which can allow you to eliminate or reduce toilet paper usage.
Stuck with a bad clog deeper in the pipes? Our Advantage Plumbing Heating and Cooling repair team are here for you.
3. Unclog Shower Drains And Use Drain Catchers
Common causes of blocked shower drains include hair, soap chips, and other debris. To clean a slow-draining shower, try using a mixture of vinegar and hot water.
For tougher clogs, use a plastic hair clog remover, sometimes called a hair snake or drain snake. These tools have little “spikes” on the sides meant to catch hair. They’re a home plumbing maintenance lifesaver.
To prevent blocked drains in the future, consider using a drain catcher. These handy tools catch hair and other debris before it goes down the drain, keeping your pipes clear.
You can find drain catchers made of stainless steel or plastic. They’re simple to use and can save you a lot of hassle.
Prevent Problems With A Plumbing Maintenance Plan
Regular maintenance and cleaning help keep your plumbing running and in good shape. Start with these tips to avoid issues like clogs in the future.
The best way to prevent issues is to schedule a plumbing maintenance plan. If you’re in the Stillwater, Sapulpa, or Tulsa, OK area, call Advantage Plumbing Heating and Cooling.
Our plumbers will check your faucets and toilets, water heaters, water supply lines, and more to stop a problem before it becomes a bigger issue. Discover the Advantage difference today.
