As plumbers that cover the whole of Bristol, we’ve seen our fair share of mistakes. We know that calling out a professional can feel like an unnecessary expense. However, there are many occasions where customers could have saved money by calling us before turning their untrained hand to a DIY solution. If you’re not professionally trained to carry out plumbing work, you could cause more damage than there was in the first place.
As well as this, there are many common mistakes that people make every day that compromise the health of their plumbing. We’ve put together a list of the most widespread problems we see, so you can maintain your plumbed products effectively and cost-efficiently.
Don’t Pour It Down The Sink
Although it’s a well-known no-no, a surprising amount of people still pour cooking fat down the sink! If you’re guilty of this, now is the time to stop. When fat is hot, it’s in a liquid state. As soon as it’s cooled down, it solidifies. This solid fat will create a sticky build up in your pipes that can lead to you needing repair work down the line. The same goes for food waste, seeds, paint and even milk. Dairy products require a lot of oxygen to break down. There are very strict disposal regulations for milk in the commercial sector for this reason.
Flushing The Unflushable
Avoid Boiling Water In Your Drains
Boiling water is often cited as a great way to clear blockages. However, a lot of properties will have pipes that are made of PVC. While PVC can withstand some heat, boiling water is simply too hot. You’ll risk damaging your pipes and the glue that holds them together. If you need to pour boiling water down the drain – to drain pasta, for example – then turn the cold tap on at the same time. This will bring the temperature down which makes it safer to go down the pipes.
Be Proactive
One of the leading causes of blocked shower drains is a build up of hair. You can’t stop your hair from shedding, but you can take preventative measures. If you or a member of your household has long hair, an inexpensive way to avoid blockages is to place a hair catcher in the drain. You can also place a similar device, called a sink strainer, in your kitchen sink to catch any debris.
If You Need Assistance With Your Plumbing In Bristol, Contact Aluna
We come across these common mistakes and problems every day. If you need advice or assistance solving a plumbing issue, contact us today. We have over 10 years of industry experience to back up our knowledge and we’re able to cover a wide area around Bristol with our services.
