If you want to avoid plumbing work in your bathroom, then your best bet is to take steps to avoid pipe problems. Below are three things you can do to avoid a problem with your bathroom pipes, which can extend the life of your piping
#1: Avoid Creating Clogs
Prevention is the best medicine, especially with clogs. Too much toilet paper, hair, paper towels and soap scum build-up are common causes of clogs in the bathroom. And when there’s a clog, that means a snake, chemicals or a plunger is necessary to clear it. But these methods aren’t good for pipes and will certainly not extend their life. In some situations, the solutions could damage the piping.
#2: Be Careful with Landscaping
When a pipe leaves the house, it is at risk for damage. One of the biggest causes of pipe damage outside the home is the root of a tree. Trees are big and heavy and therefore need a strong root system in place to stay upright and secure. Those roots also actively seek moisture, which means they are usually attracted to – you guessed it! – underground pipes. It’s no wonder that tree roots can bend or break plastic PVC or even metal pipes!
So before planting a new tree in your front or backyard, think about its root system and how it might interfere with existing piping coming from your bathroom.
#3: Get Preventative Maintenance
Ask a plumber to come out and take a look at the pipes and fixtures in your bathroom. The plumber may be able to identify potential future problems with leaks or deteriorating components, such as a toilet or sink. Identifying these problem spots early can avoid big and expensive jobs later on. For example, a wobbly toilet can get worse over time and lead to a damaged toilet or water damage in the future.
For more plumbing advice to save money and time in the bathroom or in rest of your home, contact our team at Smoak’s Comfort Control today.