Plumbing emergencies can be expensive, messy and stressful ordeals. The last thing you need during a pandemic lockdown is to have to deal with a burst pipe or other plumbing disaster.
Fortunately, many emergencies can be prevented if you’re careful. Here are four things you can do. 1. Use the toilet with care Many plumbing issues are caused by people flushing things down the toilet they shouldn’t. Items that should never be flushed include feminine hygiene products, condoms, wipes and dirty diapers. Moreover, don’t flush leftover food or used cooking oil down the toilet. Using your toilet as garbage disposal will lead to some messy emergencies. Your toilets and sewer pipes aren’t designed for anything but human waste and toilet paper. 2. Keep sinks clog-free To avoid blocked drains, treat your sinks with care. Even with a garbage disposal unit in your kitchen, items such as fruit pits, bones, rice and oils shouldn’t go down the drain. It’s best to toss food waste in the garbage or compost. In addition, use drain strainers to keep gunk and hair from clogging your bathroom and shower drains. 3. Maintain your water heater You should get your water heater inspected and flushed once or twice a year. This will keep sediment from accumulating in your tank and prevent corrosion. Regular maintenance extends the life of your water heater and keeps it running efficiently, thereby saving you money on your energy bills. 4. Get your sewer lines cleaned This could be the perfect time to get your sewer lines cleaned. Doing so could prevent major clogs and the need for expensive repairs. A plumber has modern equipment such as snaking machines and high-end drain cleaners to get the job done. Plumbing maintenance and repairs during the pandemic Taking care of your sinks, toilets, water heater and lines will prevent serious plumbing problems. However, not all plumbing issues can be prevented. At Black Forest Plumbing, safety is our top priority. During the COVID-19 crisis, plumbing is an essential service and we have implemented strict pandemic protocols to keep our community safe. Our plumbers are required to wear masks and gloves and follow thorough disinfecting procedures. We also test our staff for fevers and symptoms daily. We take the health and safety of our community seriously so that you can feel safe when our plumbers come to your door. Contact us today to schedule a repair or maintenance call for your home’s plumbing. We’re your trusted professional in Aurora, Newmarket, Markham and the GTA. Book A Service Appointment