Most of us are used to having working indoor plumbing and thank goodness for that. However, while you might not have to spend that much time worrying about your plumbing system, there are still some general maintenance tips you should follow to keep the pipes in good shape.

Taking good care of your home’s plumbing doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Still, by doing a bit of general upkeep and prevention, you can lessen the risk of significant plumbing issues. After all, dealing with burst, broken, or clogged pipes can be stressful and expensive to repair.

Read this guide from the F.H. Furr experts to get some simple plumbing tips to keep your pipes in good condition.

Tip 1: Only Flush Toilet Paper

While it can be tempting to flush similar items, such as baby wipes or tissues, down the toilet, you’ll almost certainly wind up with a clogged toilet. Instead, throw these items and things like feminine hygiene products into the trash.

But accidents happen, especially when you have kids. If you wind up with a clogged toilet, call us for an emergency service.

Tip 2: Flush Your Water Heater Once Per Year

Over time, mineral deposits and sediment can accumulate in your water heater. To keep the heater clean and prevent pressing issues with the pipes, ensure to flush these out once per year. If you need help with how to do this or feel uncomfortable, let one of our plumbing experts check out your water heater for you.

Tip 3: Clear Drains Once They Start to Clog

If you notice your sink or shower drains are slowing down, make sure to clear them right away before the clog gets worse. The best option is to remove the stopper and remove any clogs; it’s common for hair to build up. You can also use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda in the drain.

If this doesn’t work, you may have a deep clog on your hands that requires the assistance of a plumber.

Tip 4: Be Careful of What You Put Down the Garbage Disposal

While garbage disposals make cleaning up food easy, they aren’t a catch-all for all food waste. It’s essential to keep your garbage disposal, and all drains, free of grease and oil. Also, keep foods such as rice, coffee grounds, and eggshells out of the disposal and throw them in the trash instead.

Tip 5: Keep an Eye Out for Leaks

Leaks could signify a bigger plumbing issue, but if you catch them early, you can likely prevent more significant concerns. Regularly check your drains and toilets for signs of leaks. If you do notice a leak, make sure to fix it immediately.

Do you need help with a plumbing problem or with general maintenance? F.H. Furr offers comprehensive repair and installation services. Contact us today to schedule a service or connect with our emergency repair teams.