Plumbing…it is an integral part of our daily lives and it is hard to imagine life without it. Panic sets in immediately when there is an emergency plumbing problem. It becomes not only an immediate inconvenience to us, but can also take a pinch out of our pocketbooks. There are preventative measures to avoid calling an emergency plumber on a Saturday night.
Here are the most common emergency plumbing calls and what you can do to avoid calling your 24 hour Fort Myers or Naples emergency plumber:
Clogged Sewer and Drains
Try to avoid drain cleaners. Drain cleaners have harsh chemicals which can corrode cast iron pipes and possibly burn through the thinner pvc piping. Avoid pouring grease or cooking oil down the drain. These liquids solidify, eventually creating a blockage in the pipes. Flush only toilet paper and waste. Diapers, wipes, and feminine products can create a clog.
Burst Washing Machine Hoses and Pipes
Check washing machine hoses regularly. Over time the rubber hoses become brittle. Look for bulging rubber sections. Mark your calendar to replace these every 3-5 years.
If you have shower mixing valves or other faucets that have become difficult to operate, try not to put too much force on them when shutting them off. This may cause added pressure on the pipes in the walls. This can lead to a break or burst of the pipe. Have these faucets or mixing valves serviced by your Fort Myers or Naples plumber so they operate like they did when they were new.
While you are getting your dish soap from under the kitchen sink or more toilet paper from under the bathroom sink, take a look at the exposed plumbing. Some of the shut off valves and supply lines may be in need of obvious repair (rusted, signs of moisture, aged).
DIY Projects Gone Bad
Do-It-Yourself projects usually start at night or on the weekend. These projects don’t always go as planned and emergency plumbing problems may arise. Some of these problems can be avoided by making sure you can properly shut off the water to the home or the area you were working in. If something does go wrong, see if you can isolate the area from the rest of the home until you can get a Naples or Fort Myers plumber at a more reasonable time and price.
Water Heater Floods
Floods can ruin structures and your precious items. There is some general maintenance you can perform to improve the life expectancy of your water heater. Flushing out your water heater tank once a year removes the mineral deposits and other things affecting its performance. If your water heater is equipped with a water heater drain pan, ensure it is clear of all debris and the drain line to the pan is not obstructed. Ensure the water heater shut off valve works properly. Look for obvious signs of leakage, like rust around the thermostat covers and pipe connections. Finally, check the date of your water heater. Water heaters can last longer, but should be replaced at the age of 10 years old to avoid a possible insurance claim.
Not all plumbing problems can be avoided or serviced at a more convenient time. Sometimes there is nothing to warn you of upcoming issues, leaving you no choice but to call your Naples or Fort Myers 24 hour emergency plumber. If it is too late, and you are in need of emergency plumbing service now, rest assure that the Moen Brothers Plumbing & Drain are your 24 hour emergency plumber when you need us most. We offer backflow repair, water heater repair, clogged drain cleaning, sewer camera inspections, toilet repair, and many other services.
