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Tips for stopping problems before they start
 The usual culprits causing clogged drains are hair,
soap, grease, and food. Here are some tips for keeping them out
of your pipes, and reducing the need for a plumber's visit. We also
have some ideas on providing the amount and temperature of water
you want, when you want it.
Bathroom
- catch pipe-clogging hair, lotion, and soap by keeping
them out of the drain. Use a strainer in the bathtub drain, and
clean the strainer regularly.
- put a trash basket in the bathroom so folks won't
be tempted to throw anything in the toilet that doesn't belong
there.
- have lots of toilet paper available so folks won't
be tempted to use facial tissue instead. Facial tissue does not
dissolve like toilet paper does.
- keep small objects away from the toilet, where
they can easily fall in and create problems.
- increase water pressure from your shower head by
soaking it periodically in vinegar. Place a cup of vinegar in
a plastic bag and place it over the shower head, and leave it
on overnight. This loosens mineral deposits that can block water
flow and removes unsightly deposits from the shower head. In the
morning, remove the loosened deposits with a damp cloth.
- all used feminine hygiene products and disposable
diapers belong in the trash, not the toilet. They won't dissolve,
and will plug the drain.
- test for leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring
into your tank. If dye appears in the bowl, you have a leak and
may need to change the ball or flapper valve. If no color appears
in 15 minutes you don't have a leak.
- toilets use the lion's share of water in the house.
Regularly check your flapper and fill valve for unnecessary water
loss.
- replace old shower heads to save on water without
losing spray action at low or high water pressure.
Kitchen
- clear the drain from your kitchen sink by running
cold water for 15 seconds or so before and after using the garbage
disposal. Once a week, run hot water.
- pour fats and cooking oils in a fat disposal jar,
not down your drain where they can solidify and plug the pipe.
Remove the excess oil from pots and pans before you wash them.
- give your sink area a fresh odor by grinding ice
cubes and citrus (orange, lemon, grapefruit) peels in the garbage
disposal, then rinse with cold water.
- keep hard to grind and stringy foods -- celery,
banana peels, poultry skins -- out of the garbage disposal. Such
foods do not get thoroughly ground up, and create large pieces
that clog pipes.
House
- be kind to folks taking showers and baths. Run
your dishwasher and clothes washer at different times as showers
and baths. It provides users with more water pressure, and reduces
stress on the drainage system.
- turn up the water heater to retain hot water. However,
stay below 125 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid scalding.
- sewer gases can back up into your house through
the basement drain. To prevent this, periodically pour a bucket
of water downt he drain to keep the trap seal full.
- repair leaky faucets promptly to avoid waste of
water and damage to the fixtures and faucets.
- when replacing plumbing fixtures, look for those
that are efficient and have low water consumption.
- slow drips on faucets can cost you thousands of
gallons of water wasted per month, not to mention increased charges
on your water bill.
- make sure you and your family know where the water
shut-off valve is for your house. If a pipe breaks or the water
heater bursts, you need to be able to shut off the water immediately.
- if the grass at your house has an unusually green
lawn in an area, or you see surface water in your yard, check
for leaking faucets and toilets before calling for assistance.
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