Realestateliness

Plumbing problems like a clogged drain or smelly garbage disposal can be inconvenient, but are fairly simple to correct on your own. Other problems require you to hire a professional and can be quite costly. To avoid plumbing problems, both small and extensive, keep the following maintenance and preventative suggestions in mind:

In the kitchen

• Never pour grease down the drain. Wipe congealed grease from pans with a paper towel before rinsing in the sink.
• Do not put such foods in your garbage disposal as coffee grounds, celery, corn husks, pumpkin or squash, banana peels, raw meat, bones, rice or pasta.
• If your garbage disposal has an unpleasant odor, try grinding up a few ice cubes and half a lemon or a few mint leaves.
• Vacuum your refrigerator’s coils regularly to help it cool more efficiently.
• Some chemical cleaners can be corrosive, especially to metal pipes, so instead, once a month, pour some boiling water down your kitchen and bathroom drains. This will help dissolve soap and keep it from building up in your pipes.

In the bathroom

• Hair is the number one cause of clogged drains. Put strainers in your tubs and showers to trap hair and keep drains flowing smoothly; be sure to clean them regularly.
• Do not attempt to flush facial tissues, sanitary products or diapers. Anything other than toilet paper should be thrown away in the trash, not in the toilet.
• To remove unattractive mineral deposits, pour one cup of vinegar into a plastic bag and attach over the shower head or faucet with a rubber band. Allow to soak overnight, then remove the bag in the morning, wipe off mineral deposits and rinse.

In the basement

• Keep odors from backing up into your home by periodically pouring a bucket of water down the drain. This will keep the seal intact and remove any sediment.
• Check your water meter when no water is being used, then check it again several hours later. If you notice a significant change in the reading, you may have an undetected water leak.
• Annually check the hoses on your washing machine for signs of cracking or weak spots. Replace if needed.