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3 Top Tips to Preserve Your Plumbing - August Monthly Newsletter

August 07, 2020

3 Top Tips to Preserve Your Plumbing

What do opposable thumbs, the mail, and a hot shower have in common? These are just three of a million things that we tend to take for granted. After all, it’s easy to assume we will always be able to open a jar of peanut butter, thanks to our handy-dandy thumbs, that important notifications (and a ton of junk mail) will come to our post box every day, and that our shower will produce hot, clean water each and every time we want it to. 

And like those things we assume will always be there for us, the moment they aren’t, our world seems to suddenly stop. 

That’s why taking care of your plumbing is important--even if it doesn’t seem like it right now. Preserving your plumbing may be a new concept for you, because, really, who thinks about things like this (besides us?). And that’s okay.  That’s why we think it is really important to share our top 3 ways you can take care of your plumbing so you will never have to be disappointed by a cold shower. 


How to Take Care of Your Kitchen Plumbing

Of all the kitchen plumbing equipment, like your sink, ice machine, and garbage disposal, hands down, the most problematic plumbing character in the kitchen is your garbage disposal. And because running a garbage disposal can be a little confusing (Do I start the water before or after? When does the food go in? How much can this thing really take?), it is often, shall we say, “operator error” that leads to the most damaging problems. 

First, most people try to put waaay too much down the disposal before turning it on. This causes food to get stuck and clog the drain or even cause damage to your pipes. Plus, bacteria can build up, further damaging your plumbing. 

The proper way to use a garbage disposal is to turn it on with water running, place your items, and once they are disposed of, allow the water to run for at least 15 more seconds. This will ensure the line has been adequately flushed through. 


All About Your Bathroom Plumbing

When it comes to plumbing in the bathroom, showers and toilets are an even tie for the most inconvenient if it stops working. So, we’ll tackle both. 

Tub & Shower

Your tub and shower are rife with opportunity for blocking and backups. We always recommend using a screen that fits properly over the drain to keep your drain pipes clear and easy to keep clean. And hair isn’t the only clogging hazard in a bathroom. We’ve retrieved enough tub toys, random household items, articles of clothing--you name it really (we’ve seen it all!)-- to know that a simple screen will save you a ton of heartache later on. 

Toilet  

When it comes to preventing toilet overflows, this one gets a bit tricky. Many products on the market claim to be flushable, but these very same items also cause major plumbing problems. 

Flushable wipes and feminine hygiene products should never be flushed down the toilet. Even if the packaging says it’s okay. Err on the side of caution and dispose of these items in the trash. 


A Word About Chemical Drain Cleaners

If at all possible, please do avoid using chemical drain cleaners. They often cause more damage and don’t really solve the problem. If you have recurring problems with your drains, please call a plumber to assess the problem and fix it once and for all. 

Don’t Forget Your Sump Pump

If you have a sump pump, it can be really easy to forget that it needs a little attention from time to time. But here in Arizona, it is really important to keep an eye out for any of the following problems with your sump pump: 

  • Runs continuously

  • Starts and stops often

  • Little or no water flow

  • Shuts off too early

 Any of these can be common warning signs of a failing pump, and you should call a plumber right away if you notice any of them. 


Whitton Plumbing is Here For You On All Your Plumbing Needs

Ok, so we can’t stop your child from cramming their sister’s favorite teddy bear down the tub drain, but we can be there to fix it when they do. The same goes for when you get a little overzealous with the garbage disposal, or your sump pump kicks the bucket. 

Our professional team of certified plumbing technicians will not only get to the bottom of the problem (and drain), but we love sharing helpful tips and tricks to preserve your plumbing. Give us a call at (480) 291-1111 or contact us at www.whittonplumbing.com. 


Valley Wide: (480) 291-1111
Tucson: (520) 505-3236
Whether it's sinks, toilets, showers, faucets, water heaters, pipes or drains that need cleaning, repairs or installation, we've got you covered.