A home's plumbing is a great modern system that provides you with convenience and cleanliness, but it can often have problems and issues that cause sewer back-ups. After you move into a new home, whether newly built or just new to you, you want to get to know your home's plumbing system and be sure you take care of it so it lasts as long as possible. Here are some tips to help you do this.
Understand Your Home's Plumbing
One of the most important parts of being a homeowner is understanding the condition and set-up of your home and its interior and underground plumbing. The plumbing drainage system within your home is made up of drain pipes to and from each sink, shower, and basement drain. These drainage pipes work with gravity to deliver home waste down to your home's foundation and out to the city's sewer connection. This system of pipes should work well unless they are aging or becoming damaged from outside forces.
Depending on the age of your home, your home's sewer lines may be nearing a century of age or they may be newly installed or replaced. If you are having problems with your home's drainage system, such as slow-flowing drains and frequent clogs, it is in your best interest to hire a professional plumber to inspect your sewer lines. You should know the condition of your sewer line so you can repair or replace it when necessary.
A professional plumber can remove any blockages and visually inspect the interior of your home's sewer line. This will reveal the age and condition of your pipes and the type of material your sewer line is made of. You might find that, for example, your sewer line is made of cast iron that was installed in the 19th century and is now cracking, and corrosion inside is causing clogs through the line.
Clean and Maintain Your Plumbing
Once you have a good idea of your home's plumbing and have discovered any problems so you can repair them, it is also a good idea to handle some regular maintenance to keep your plumbing working in tip-top shape. First, use a drain strainer to keep large debris, hair, and lint from washing into the sink drains, which may build up and lead to clogs. If you have long hair, for example, use a drain strainer to prevent hairs from washing down the drain while you shower or bathe. This will keep your drains flowing speedily for months. Otherwise, you will need to remove the drain stopper and use a pair of needle-nosed tweezers or pliers to pull out the hairs and soap residue that will build up to form a clog.
You can also periodically use a drain rinse to clear out the soap scum. Dump several large spoon-fulls of baking soda into the drain, and pour a cup of two of vinegar into the drain. After the mixture stops bubbling, pour a pot of boiling water into the drain. Let this work on the inside of the drain to clean it and rinse free any build-up.
For more information and tips on plumbing maintenance, contact a local plumber.