It can be easy to forget that pipes and plumbing need to be maintained in order to work properly, especially since it is ‘out of sight, out of mind’ when it comes to the plumbing system in your home. However, if you want to avoid costly repairs down the road there are some simple steps you can take to prevent problems in the first place. 

Prevent Grease Build Up

Have you ever dumped grease down the drain thinking the hot water or dish soap would wash it away? Think again! That grease solidifies in your pipes as it cools and can cause some major problems. This video from NBC Washington tells us the dangers of dumping grease down the drain.

Remember to can it, cool it, dump it!

Keep the pipes clean with Roto-Rooter Build-Up Remover and/or Roto-Rooter Septic Treatment — for any grease that does manage to get down the pipes.

Roto-Rooter Build-Up Remover prevents grease from building up with a natural enzyme that is designed to coat the pipe walls. It helps eliminate the build-up before a clot can form and prevent water build up. It is safe to use on septic systems and helps remove unpleasant odors with a fresh citrus scent. It is recommended to use monthly as part of your routine maintenance. 

Roto-Rooter Septic Treatment is scientifically formulated to help prevent septic backups. It has 2 times more enzymes than the leading national brand which helps it eliminate more paper, fats, oils, grease, protein, and starch. It also helps to eliminate unpleasant odors and dampness in leach fields. Use it monthly as part of a routine maintenance on your septic system. 

Utilize A Strainer Screen

Keeping food scraps out of kitchen drains and hair out of bathroom drains is essential to avoid clogged drains. You can very easily keep anything extra out of your drains by utilizing a very simple and inexpensive strainer screen. We use these stainless steel ones from Fengbao that catch all the little bits but allow water to pass easily, and look great too!

 

In addition, be sure to scrape food into the trash before doing the dishes, and toss any hair you shed into the trash instead of washing it down the drain. 

Soften The Water

If you have hard water it can shorten your plumbing’s lifespan. The naturally occurring minerals such as magnesium or calcium can build up inside your pipes and restrict flow, increasing the pressure. 

A white buildup on showerheads and faucets is a telltale sign, or you can purchase an at-home testing kit very inexpensively. The one pictured below even tests for additional contaminants to make sure your water is safe!

 

If you do have hard water, the only way to deal with it is by installing a water softener. This is something that should be done by a plumber.

Reduce The Pressure

High water pressure is really nice when you are taking a hot shower or filling a soup pot, but extra high pressure puts stress on your pipes and can increase the likelihood of a leak. You can measure the pressure in your home with a hose bib gauge that you can attach to an outside faucet to get a reading.

 

Normal pressure will register between 40 and 85 psi. If it’s above that range, consider hiring a plumber to install a pressure reducer. ==>Note, a low-flow showehead doesn’t affect the pressue in the pipes, it only changes the amount of water coming out of the showerhead itself. 

Keep Sewer Lines or Septic Tank Clear

If you live in a city, hire a plumber to snake your main sewage line every few years to remove any tree roots that may work their way into the pipes. I know first hand that allowing them to grow into the pipes can lead to some messy backups! 

If you have a septic system, get the tank pumped regularly. 

 

PIN FOR LATER

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This post is sponsored by Roto-Rooter. All opinions are my own. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.