Plumbing is often out of sight and out of mind – until something goes wrong. Whether it’s a slow sink drain or a sudden burst pipe, plumbing issues can escalate quickly if not handled properly.
According to a report by the Association of British Insurers, water leaks are the second most common type of home insurance claim, accounting for around £1.8 million in payouts each day in the UK alone.
This highlights the importance of maintaining your plumbing system and addressing small problems before they become major emergencies. Knowing the right steps to take when faced with a plumbing issue – and, just as importantly, what not to do – can save homeowners considerable stress, time, and money.
Here’s a guide to help you navigate 2024’s plumbing dos and don’ts.
15 Plumbing Do’s and Don’ts
Do: Know your plumbing system
Understanding the basic layout of your plumbing system is essential. You don’t need to be a professional plumber to have a rough idea of where things are. Familiarise yourself with the location of key components, such as your water supply shut-off valve, main sewer line, and the location of pipes running through your property.
Why is this important? If a pipe bursts or there’s a sudden water leak, being able to shut off the water supply quickly can reduce the amount of damage to your home before calling in professional plumbing services. Additionally, knowing the ins and outs of your plumbing system means you’ll have a better idea of when something is wrong – whether it’s a strange noise from your sink drain or a persistent dripping sound behind the walls.
Don’t reach for the Drano
Forget using chemicals to open or clear drains — they rarely get the job all the way done. Plus, not only are the chemicals very harsh and dangerous for you to handle, they can also ruin drain pipes and the equipment used to clear the stoppage.
Hint: To prevent blockages in the first place, keep notorious cloggers like grease and hair out of drains.
Do: Regularly check for water leaks
Water leaks can be stealthy. You might not see water pouring out of your kitchen sink, but that doesn’t mean a leak isn’t happening. Regularly inspecting areas around sinks, toilets, and appliances that use water can help you spot leaks before they turn into plumbing emergencies. A burst pipe isn’t always dramatic; sometimes, it starts with a slow leak.
Pay special attention to your water bill as well. If you notice an unexplained increase in your usage, it might be due to an unnoticed leak somewhere in your plumbing system.
Read More: 6 Common Plumbing Problems & Solutions
Don’t treat the toilet like a rubbish bin
Even if they’re labelled “flushable,” don’t toss feminine hygiene products, personal-cleaning wipes, toilet scrubbers, makeup remover pads or cat litter into the toilet. The fact is, they don’t disintegrate quickly enough and can ultimately block the drain pipe.
Do: Use strainers to prevent blocked drains
Blocked drains are one of the most common general plumbing issues homeowners face, particularly in kitchen sinks. Food scraps, grease, and even soap residue can build up over time, leading to a clogged sink. One of the easiest ways to prevent this is by using a strainer. A sink strainer catches debris before it can make its way into your plumbing system and cause a blockage.
It’s also a good idea to avoid pouring fats and cooking oils down the drain. While they may be liquid when you pour them, they solidify as they cool, leading to a clogged drain.
Don’t try to tackle the plumbing problems yourself.
Don’t try to diagnose and fix a plumbing problem yourself, or hire a handyman to do plumbing repairs. Plumbers can find and correct a problem faster than an amateur can, which will save you money in the long run.
Do: Be prepared for plumbing emergencies
Plumbing emergencies can strike at any time. Burst pipes, gas leaks, blocked drains – these are all problems you can’t ignore. It’s important to be prepared for when (not if) these emergencies arise.
Keep a list of emergency plumbers handy and make sure you know where your water shut-off valve is located. If a pipe bursts, the faster you can stop the water, the less damage your home will suffer. Likewise, in the case of a gas leak, turn off the gas supply immediately and evacuate the property.
A plumbing emergency kit can also be helpful. Stock it with basic tools such as a plunger, pipe wrench, plumber’s tape, and towels to mop up water in the event of a leak. While these won’t solve major problems, they can buy you some time before the professionals arrive.
Find Out More: 5 Plumbing Safety Hazards You Need To Watch Out For
Do: Insulate your pipes in winter
Winter can be tough on your plumbing. Frozen pipes are a common issue, particularly in older properties with exposed pipes. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands, which can lead to cracks or even burst pipes. One simple way to prevent this is by insulating your pipes, especially those located in unheated areas like the attic, garage, or basement.
Pipe insulation is easy to install and can save you from dealing with a messy and expensive repair job when temperatures drop.
Don’t use drop in toilet fresheners
Ditch the drop-in tank toilet fresheners. You may love the blue water it makes in your toilet bowl, but these tablets often contain chemicals that wear out working parts inside the tank. Plus, as these tablets disintegrate, they can get stuck in the flush valve and prevent the toilet from flushing.
Don’t pour hot water directly down the sink
We’ve all been tempted to pour that leftover boiling water from the kettle down the kitchen sink drains – it seems harmless enough. But pouring hot water directly into a sink drain can cause damage over time, especially if your pipes are made of PVC (a common material in modern homes). The extreme temperature difference can weaken the pipes, leading to cracks or even bursts.
If you need to dispose of hot water, it’s always a good idea to mix it with cold water first or let it cool slightly. This is particularly true when dealing with blocked drains. Instead of reaching for the kettle, opt for a commercial drain cleaner or a homemade solution using baking soda and vinegar.
Don’t forget to replace the hoses
Water hoses don’t give any warning before they burst, so avoid a potential flood by changing out rubber hoses on washing machines and dishwashers every five years. When you do replace them, use stainless steel on all water lines, if possible.
Do check your water heater
Don’t think your tank water heater will last forever — the average lifespan is 8-12 years. Just like toast tends to fall butter-side down on the floor, your 20-year-old tank will inevitably fail and flood while you are on vacation.
Don’t overload the garbage disposal
Be kind to your garbage disposal: Don’t pour grease into it (the goopy stuff will eventually solidify and clog the drain), and don’t put in fibrous food like celery and artichokes. Also avoid pushing through large amounts of garbage at once. Instead, feed garbage slowly into the disposal with cold running water.
Don’t fiddle with the water heater’s pressure valve
Don’t try to drain your water heater or test the temperature and pressure valve yourself. These need to be done professionally. If the valve is not properly removed, the pressure from the tank can disperse scalding hot water that could cause serious burns as well as property damage.
Do: Get regular plumbing inspections
Most people only think about calling a plumber when something goes wrong, but regular plumbing inspections can help you catch issues before they become full-blown emergencies. A professional plumber can check for potential problems, such as small leaks, weakened pipes, or signs of wear and tear, and recommend repairs before they escalate.
By scheduling regular inspections, you’ll extend the lifespan of your plumbing system and avoid the headache of sudden plumbing emergencies.
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Plumbing Do’s and Don’ts FAQs
What should I do if my pipes burst?
If a pipe bursts, the first step is to turn off your water supply immediately to prevent further damage. Next, open all taps to drain any remaining water in the system. Once this is done, call a professional plumber immediately to assess and repair the damage. If the burst pipe has caused flooding, try to mop up the water and use towels to protect your floors and furniture while waiting for help.
Can I pour hot water down my sink to clear a blockage?
While it might seem harmless, pouring boiling water directly into a sink can damage your pipes, particularly if they are made of PVC. The extreme temperature change can weaken the material over time. Instead, it’s safer to use a drain cleaner or a homemade solution of baking soda and vinegar to clear minor blockages, or contact a professional plumber if the problem persists.
How can I prevent blocked drains?
To prevent blocked drains, use strainers in your sinks to catch food debris before they go down the drain. Avoid pouring fats, oils, or grease down the sink, as they can solidify and create blockages. Regularly cleaning your drains with baking soda and vinegar can also help keep them clear of build-up.