Plumbing is one of the essential parts of every home’s infrastructure. We all expect it to work perfectly. Unfortunately, there are plenty of things that can damage it. These are often the things we do without a second thought, unaware of the mistakes we make. Over time, they can cause serious problems for the plumbing system.
Only then, when faced with an emergency and forced to seek out professional help, we pay attention to the cause of the problem. And then it takes time and money to get the damage repaired.
With proper care, you can keep your plumbing system in good condition and avoid most of the emergency plumbing Laguna Hills issues, or anywhere else in Orange County and South California. Find out which things have a negative impact on your plumbing and learn what not to do in order to minimize or completely eliminate possible damage.
Harsh chemical cleaners
What’s the first thing you do to fix a clog or a drain that runs slow? Do you reach for a phone to call your plumber or for a bottle of a chemical drain cleaner you keep in stock under the sink?
Using chemical cleaners is one of the most common methods to deal with a clog. And it is also one of the worst things a homeowner can do to his home’s plumbing system.
Though they seem like a quick, easy and pocket-friendly solution, chemical cleaners may be too harsh and damage the pipes, especially if used regularly. Over time, they will begin to eat away the inner walls of your pipes. These cleaners also present a health hazard. They contain ingredients that can be harmful when inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
The safest and the most effective solution is to call a professional plumber to provide a full-service drain cleaning.
Root intrusion
If you are experiencing recurring clogs or a sudden flooding in the lowest plumbing fixture in your home, it’s possible that you have a root intrusion blocking your line. Keep in mind that roots will grow alongside and around the pipe because of the moisture and condensation, but can’t get into one unless there’s a crack.
If you live in an older home and you suspect a root intrusion, call a trusted emergency plumbing Laguna Hills service or the area you live in. A video inspection of the sewer line will reveal if there are any tree roots that need to be removed.
Grease
Cooking grease washed away down the drain is the leading cause of clogged drains. After it’s washed down the sink, it’s difficult to remove. It will cling on the pipes and gradually block them up. Any type of oil and grease including melted fat from meat should be thrown out, not flushed away.
Household hazardous waste
Don’t dispose of the paint, bleach, acid or any other household chemicals and unwanted solvents by dumping them down the drain. It can cause a build-up of corrosive materials and damage your pipes and septic tank. The chemicals travel through the sewer system and can be hazardous not only to your pipes but to the ecosystem. Nail polish remover, medications and supplements are also considered to be household hazardous waste. Even washing off paintbrushes should be avoided.
Trash disposal
Keep in mind that the toilet isn’t a trash can. Don’t flush down personal care products like cotton balls and swabs, baby wipes or bandages or household trash such as paper towels, coffee grounds or cigarette butts. Even if the package says it’s flushable and the product seems safe to flush down the toilet, use the trash can or the recycling bin.
Old water heaters
Water heaters need to be replaced approximately every 10 years. When they break down, they can cause leaking, backups and other problems. It’s recommended you get a professional to inspect your water heater regularly to make sure everything’s in order.
DIY Fixes
One of the worst things you can do is try to handle a plumbing emergency in your Laguna Hills home without seeking out professional help. You are likely to cause additional damage and costs by going overboard with DIY attempts. There’s a wide variety of pipes and, for example, you may use the wrong tools or take apart the wrong pipe fixtures. On the other hand, hiring a professional to resolve the issue is quicker and, as it turns out, pocket-friendly after all.
Call emergency plumbing Laguna Hills experts
Emergency Home Solutions offers high-quality mold removal and water damage restoration services to Orange County residents. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you are experiencing water damage or emergency plumbing in Laguna Hills or any other Orange County community, don’t hesitate to call the office at (949) 916-0549 or our after-hours emergency number (949) 480-7704. Our highly skilled and experienced professionals will respond and provide top-quality service, resolving the issue in a timely manner.