Have you ever faced a blocked drain right as the cooler months set in? Autumn brings its own plumbing challenges to Australian homes. This article provides essential tips for keeping your plumbing problem-free during fall.
Keep reading to learn how to safeguard your home’s water system.
Essential Autumn Plumbing Tips for Australian Homeowners
Autumn brings a change in weather, and with it, the need to prep your plumbing. It's time to get your pipes ready for cooler days - simple steps can save you big troubles.
Don't Pour Grease or Oil Down the Drain
Pouring grease or oil down the drain is a big no. It may seem easy and harmless, but it's not. Grease and oil stick to pipes. Over time, they build up and block the pipes completely.
This can cause big plumbing problems in your home.
To avoid this, let grease cool down first. Then, scrape it into a bin. For oils that stay liquid, pour them into a container you can throw away. Keeping grease and oil out of your drains saves you from future trouble with blocked pipes.
Check for Leaks Regularly
Checking for leaks in your home should be a regular task. Look around places like under sinks, behind toilets, and anywhere you have pipes. If you see water or signs of moisture, you might have a leak.
Fixing leaks quickly can save water and prevent bigger problems later.
"A small drip today can lead to big savings tomorrow."
Leaks aren't just about the mess - they can also make your water bill go up. Listen for dripping sounds and watch for wet spots on floors or ceilings. These are clues that something's wrong.
Calling plumbers early means showers keep running smoothly without surprise bills creeping up on you.
Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is
After checking your home for leaks, it's crucial to know where your main water shut-off valve is. This can save you from big problems if a pipe bursts or there's a major leak. Your main valve controls the flow of water into your home.
It’s usually found near the water meter. Make sure everyone in the house knows its location and how to turn it off quickly.
Finding this valve might seem tricky, but it’s often located outside in warm climates or inside in colder areas to prevent freezing. If a plumbing issue happens, turning off this valve stops water from coming in until help arrives.
This simple step can prevent lots of damage and save money on repairs.
Use a Drain Strainer
A drain strainer is a simple tool that catches food particles, hair, and other bits. This keeps your pipes clean. Put one in your kitchen sink to catch scraps you might accidentally drop.
It works great in the bathroom too, for catching hair.
Next, make sure to empty your traps often. This will keep things flowing smoothly and prevent clogs.
Empty Your Traps
Cleaning out your traps is easy and stops clogs. Kitchen sink, bathroom sink, and shower traps catch stuff that shouldn't go down your drain. Take them out, remove the gunk, and put them back.
This simple step keeps water flowing smoothly.
Make it a habit to do this regularly. It prevents big blockages and saves you from trouble later on. Plus, it's a quick task that avoids future calls to a plumber for help with blocked pipes.
Know When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, a plumbing issue is too big to handle on your own. If you spot water where it shouldn't be - like on the floor or in the walls - it's time to call in the experts. They have special tools and skills to find leaks and fix them fast.
"A stitch in time saves nine... especially with plumbing!"
Leaks can get worse quickly. If you see mold, hear water running when no taps are on, or have a toilet that won't stop running, these are signs you need a professional plumber. They'll make sure small problems don't turn into big ones.
Common Plumbing Mistakes to Avoid
Making a few wrong moves in plumbing can lead to big problems. It's easy to make mistakes, so keep an eye out and avoid these traps for smoother sailing.
Don't Use Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals can harm your pipes. Many people use them to clear clogs, but these chemicals can cause more damage than good. They eat away at pipes, leading to leaks and other problems down the line.
It's much safer for your home and the environment to avoid these harsh solutions.
Instead, try natural options or a plunger for blocked drains. These methods are kinder to your plumbing system. If you face a tough blockage, calling a professional is better than using strong chemicals.
This way, you protect your pipes and keep them working well for longer.
Insulate Your Pipes
Cover your pipes to keep them warm. This stops them from freezing when it gets cold. Use foam covers from the store. They are easy to put on and take off.
Keeping pipes warm saves you trouble. No frozen or burst pipes means no big water mess in your house. It's a smart move before winter hits.
Don't Flush Anything but Toilet Paper
After preparing your pipes for cold weather, there's another critical tip to keep in mind. Only flush toilet paper down your toilet. This rule is simple but very important. Other things like wipes, even if they say "flushable," can clog up your plumbing.
They don't break down the same way as toilet paper does.
Also, avoid flushing other items such as cotton balls, tissues, or dental floss. These can also cause big problems in your pipes and lead to expensive repairs. Keep a trash bin nearby so everyone can easily toss these items away instead of flushing them.
This small step helps avoid major plumbing issues.
Dispose of Fats and Grease Properly
Throw away fats and grease the right way, not down your sink. These can harden inside pipes and cause clogs. Instead, cool them down and put them in a container you can throw in the trash.
Another good tip is to wipe dishes with a paper towel to catch any leftover grease before washing them. This small step helps keep your kitchen's plumbing smooth.
Keeping fats and oil out of your drain saves you from big troubles later on. Showers, sinks, and other drains stay clear when you throw grease away correctly. Make sure everyone in the house knows this simple rule too.
It’s an easy way to avoid calling for help with blocked pipes.
Conclusion
Same Day Trades gives Australian homeowners great tips for taking care of their plumbing in autumn. These tips help you avoid big problems and save money. If things get tricky, it's smart to call a professional.
Also, make sure not to make common mistakes like pouring grease down the drain or using harsh chemicals. Keeping your plumbing in top shape is easier with these pointers.
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