You probably take your pipes, drains, and fixtures for granted, but a well-maintained plumbing system is essential to keep things flowing. Problems range from minor inconveniences to expensive messes. If you want to save time, money, and headaches, follow the best plumbing practices in this guide for Atlanta homeowners.
- Keep an eye out for leaks: Plumbing leaks can occur in faucets, showerheads, and hidden pipes, often going unnoticed until major damage has occurred. Check under sinks, around toilets, and in the basement for signs of moisture, including stains, standing water, or a musty odor.
- Know where your main water valve is located: In the event of a plumbing emergency, shut off the main water valve to minimize damage. If you don’t know where the valve is located, ask a plumber for help finding it so an emergency doesn’t catch you off-guard.
- Insulate your pipes: Atlanta winters can be unpredictable. To avoid the risk of frozen and burst pipes during a cold snap, insulate exposed pipes in your home. Target unheated areas like the garage, basement, or crawl space.
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners: While chemical drain cleaners are a quick fix for clogged drains, they are a temporary solution at best. Overuse can damage your pipes and contaminate the local water supply. Instead, opt for a plunger or plumber’s snake to clear minor clogs. Then, call an Atlanta plumber for more persistent issues.
- Maintain your water heater: Flush your water heater tank once or twice a year to remove sediment buildup. This home plumbing tip extends the life of your water heater and improves energy efficiency. Other maintenance tasks include checking the anode rod, testing the temperature pressure (T&P) relief valve, and insulating the tank. These may be DIY tasks for some homeowners, or you can leave them to a professional.
- Be mindful of what you flush: Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper, nothing more. Flushing baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, or paper towels can cause blockages. Dispose of these items in the trash to avoid plumbing issues.
- Install a water filtration system: Atlanta’s water supply is generally safe, but it sometimes contains high chlorine, lead, or sediment levels. A water filtration system removes these impurities, providing your family with cleaner, healthier water for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
- Schedule annual plumbing inspections: One of the best plumbing tips in Atlanta is to schedule yearly visits with a licensed plumber. Regular inspections can identify small issues before they become major problems, saving you money on repairs.
At Quick Action Plumbers, plumbing isn’t our job—it’s our career. Our team is passionate, professional, and proficient, drawing on over 70 years of combined plumbing experience to ensure your 100% satisfaction. As a locally owned company, we strive to build relationships and trust with our valued customers. The next time you need reliable plumbing services in Atlanta, GA, contact us to discover what the Quick Action family has to offer!