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3 Ways to Keep Your Bathroom Plumbing-Emergency Free

We’ve all been there: a leaky faucet, broken pipe, or clogged toilet in our bathroom springs up at the worst time and we have to call for help. These common plumbing emergencies can be a major inconvenience for homeowners and business owners. Thankfully, there are a handful of everyday tips you can use to prevent and treat common plumbing emergencies before you have to call a 24/7 plumbing service. Here are 3 ways to keep your bathroom plumbing-emergency free.

1. Always Check for Leaks

Leaks can happen as a result of broken pipes, faulty construction, changing weather, and a host of other factors. Often times, a leak is an issue you can fix on your own (such as tightening the connections between pipes). Other times, a 24/7 plumbing service might be needed. To catch your leaks before they do extra damage to your floors, walls, and ceilings, it is important to frequently check common leak areas. These include:

The back and edges around the base of the toilet
The pipes underneath your sink
The edges around the base of your bathtub or shower
The ceiling below the bathroom (look for any depressions or signs of water)

2. Clean Your Drains Properly

A clogged drain can turn from a mild inconvenience to major problem if it is not addressed quickly. To keep the drains in your bathroom clog-free, it is recommended that you lift up the stoppers on your sink and bathtub about once a week, clean them off, and remove any debris that may have collected around the drain. About once a month, remove the overflow plate from your bathtub and raise the pop-up assembly to reach the spring or rocker arm. Debris inevitably collects in this region over time, and it is important to check and clean it regularly to avoid major backup.

One final drain-cleaning step all homeowners should follow is using a bacteriological drain cleaner about once a month to remove gunk and another build-up our hands can’t reach. It is highly recommended that you use a non-corrosive, 100% biodegradable drain cleaner to keep those on your property safe and increase the longevity of your plumbing system.

3. Unclog Your Toilet Using a Plunger (The Right Way)

Knowing how to unclog a toilet with a simple plunger is a life skill that will save you time, headache, and money down the road. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:

Stay clean by wearing rubber gloves and placing newspaper around your toilet.
Lift both seats and submerge the rubber end of the plunger in the toilet.
Make sure there is enough water in the toilet bowl to completely cover the plunger’s rubber head. (You can do this by gently lifting the flapper chain inside the tank, or flushing the toilet again.)
Let the air out of the plunger by tilting it towards the surface of the water. (If you see bubbles, you’re doing it right.)
Cover the drain opening with the plunger to create a tight seal, then push the plunger down gently. Pull it quickly back up while maintaining the seal.
Repeat this push and pull process until the obstruction is cleared and the toilet begins to drain.
When In Doubt, Call A Plumber

If you encounter a bathroom emergency you’re unsure about, it’s always best to contact a 24/7 emergency plumbing service. Trained plumbing professionals will not only fix your problem — they’ll also give you helpful maintenance advice.

pipe repair