It’s easy to forget sometimes that our homes’ pipes do an incredibly important job for us each and every day. And just like other tools, pipes need to be properly maintained and kept in good repair in order to function at their best capacity. That’s why it’s important to take care of your pipes all year round, and to hire an excellent plumber in Modesto, CA to help you keep everything in top shape. Here are some pointers to get you started.
Beware of grease
Many of us are already taking precautions with our sinks by scraping our plates before rinsing them, and keeping large food particles and other tough materials out of our garbage disposals. But did you know that grease can be very detrimental to your pipes, too? This is because hot grease is liquid, but as it cools, it congeals into a solid state, which then clogs up drains. Instead of dumping excess grease into your disposal or sink, pour it into a container with a cap, wait for it to cool and then put it in the garbage.
Clear the lines
It’s also important to make sure the lines of your sewer or septic tank stay clear all year round. If you have municipal sewers, consider hiring an experienced plumber in Modesto, CA to snake your lines every several years. It’s a minimal cost that can make a world of difference. For example, a good snaking could reveal tree roots that have grown into pipes—something you wouldn’t know about on the surface, but which could be incredibly damaging down the road. For your septic system, plan to have the tank pumped about every three years, or every five at the most. Again, this is a minimal investment with great long-term payoff.
Exercise common sense
When it comes to the wellbeing of your pipes, a little care goes a long way. A few things you can do to ensure their longevity include:
- Taking your hoses inside before the freezing weather hits. Exposed hoses that are attached to outdoor spigots can freeze and crack. This can cause flooding and cracked pipes.
- Knowing where your house’s main water shutoff valve is located. That way, if you have a leak, you can run to that location and turn off the water before it floods the home.
- Adding insulation to exposed pipes. If parts of your home get extra cold, such as your garage or crawl spaces, ask your plumber in Modesto, CA to install some insulation to keep them from freezing and cracking.
- Staying on top of repairs. As soon as you find a problem, call your trusted plumber to come out and take a look at it. Chances are, they can make a small fix now that will save you much more in costly repairs down the road.
No matter what your needs may be, make sure to call an experienced plumber in Modesto, CA to help you keep your pipes in great shape. Get in touch with Alvarado Pumping Septic Service today to schedule an appointment.