Top Five Tips to Reduce Residential Plumbing Issues [infographic]

Here at Stover Plumbing, our team knows that sudden plumbing problems can completely disrupt your family’s regular routine. Although accidents can’t be completely avoided, there are several proactive steps you can take to prevent issues from occurring in the first place.

Here are our top five tips for keeping your residential plumbing system working smoothly:

1. Only allow water down the drain. Take steps to prevent waste from going down the drain. In the shower or bathtub, use a drain guard to block hair from entering the pipes. When you’re in the kitchen, avoid putting food scraps, grease, or oils in the sink.
2. Routinely check for leaks. Make it a habit to check your faucets, toilets, and visible pipes for water leaks. Catching a small leak early will be far easier and less expensive to fix.
3. Find your main water shut-off valve. If a major plumbing leak occurs or a pipe bursts, it’s crucial to know how to quickly turn off the water. Make sure everyone in your household knows where this shut-off valve is to prevent serious plumbing issues from causing even more extensive damage.
4. Schedule annual inspections. Having a professional carefully examine your plumbing system each year can alert you of possible issues before they can cause more serious problems.
5. Avoid DIY repairs. If you need to unclog a slow drain or install a new fixture, use caution to avoid damaging the plumbing system. If you can’t seem to address an issue after a couple of tries with a plunger or a screwdriver, it’s best to hire a professional to ensure the job is done right.