How to Prevent the Five Most Common Plumbing Problems

New Berlin, WI, December 29, 2015: Everyone has experienced plumbing problems; and throughout the lifetime of your home, those problems are bound to happen again. A local plumbing company, through their informational hub, wants to educate homeowners on how to repair, replace and, most importantly, prevent these problems.

“On a daily basis, we see plumbing issues that could have easily been prevented. The problem is, most plumbers don’t take the time to educate homeowners on how to prevent future occurrences. We saw a public need and asked ourselves ‘What can we do to help?’ And that’s how Flat Rate U was started.” said Ryan Gumieny, Vice President of Flat Rate Home Services.

According to Flat Rate, there are 5 common plumbing mistakes that you didn’t know you were making.

1. Improperly Cleaning Drains

This is one of the most common types of plumbing mistakes that homeowners make. From hair clogging a shower drain to holiday plate scraps overflowing from the kitchen sink. When this happens, it is time to take action. More often than not, homeowners run out and grab a bottled drain cleaner. Excellent company commercials and branding have made these dangerous and toxic liquids a go-to solution for drain clogs. The chemicals in these cleaners can make clogs worse, eat holes right through your pipes and even cause health hazards. The best solution is usually the use of an electric cable or high pressure water jetting, as well as natural enzyme drain products used as preventative maintenance.

2. Garbage Disposer 101

The basic understanding of a garbage disposal isn’t all that complicated. Food pieces are put down and the disposer cuts them up into fine pieces and down the drain they go... simple. However your poor plumbing system is probably not happy with most of you. Too often not enough attention is put on the amount of water that is needed to carry food waste. HUGE HOMEOWNER TIP!! After each use of the garbage disposer, plug the sink with the stopper, fill it all the way up to the rim with warm water, turn on the disposer and pull the plug. This creates a huge flushing of the drain line and may prevent you from having to call a plumber.

3. DIY Temporary Fixes

We hear it every single day.... My husband’s sisters’ friends’ neighbor is a plumber. Or we checked out YouTube and attempted a plumbing repair...again. “A” for effort and we never judge. When plumbing problems arise its best to hire a professional. The state of Wisconsin requires plumbing applicants to complete a 5 year apprenticeship followed by a challenging journeyman’s exam. Hiring a company and their licensed employees can save you a ton of time, frustration and money. Reputable companies pull city permits to ensure your safety.

4. Forgetting Your Lawn Hose

A very common plumbing emergency call is when spring has sprung and homeowners begin using their outdoor watering hoses again. An often forgotten step before winter hits is to remove your hose from the actual lawn spigot outside. Newer style lawn faucets need to be able to drain out after they are turned off. By keeping the hose on this makes it unable to drain remaining water out thus causing them to freeze and split. Its recommended to contact a professional to help you determine which type of lawn faucet you have and explain the necessary steps to take to help you avoid this messy

5. How do I turn my water off?

It is actually quite shocking to hear how many homeowners do not know how to turn off the water supply to their home. It is something every homeowner should know and also show everyone living in the home. When the need to turn off your water during a plumbing emergency happens you will want to act quickly. Contact a professional plumbing company to have them walk you through this easy to remember task.

About Flat Rate Home Services

Since 1989, our goal has always been to become the premier home services provider. Our years of experience serving the entire Southeastern Wisconsin area have made us the trusted plumbing, heating, cooling and bathroom remodeling professionals. To find out more about us, visit Flat Rate U.

Media Contact

Shannon Roeglin,Public Relations Specialist 414-458-8628 sroeglin@builders-showcase.com