Homeownership comes with so many “little surprises.” And by surprises, I mean those heart-stopping moments when water suddenly gushes from where it absolutely should not. Most folks don’t think much about pipes until something goes wrong, but a little TLC can save you bundles—both on plumber bills and stress migraines. Here’s how to give your home’s plumbing a bit of pampering and keep disaster at bay.
Don’t Treat Your Drains Like Trash Cans
We all have that urge to just sweep whatever’s in the sink straight down the drain, but your pipes will hate you for it. Grease, coffee grounds, and food scraps are classic troublemakers—especially in the kitchen. Grease may seem innocent when it’s hot and runny, but the moment it cools down in your pipes, it’s basically the start of a future clog.
Instead, scrape fats and chunky bits into the trash or a compost bin. Your future self (and your plumber) will be grateful!
Give Your Pipes a Regular “Checkup”
You don’t need a degree in residential plumbing services to peek under the sink every once in a while. Look for slow drips, weird puddles, or those infamous “musty” smells. Spots of corrosion or crusty deposits are a warning light. Catching these little things early can save you a big emergency later—like when you’re trying to sneak in a shower before work and your water pressure goes MIA.
If you find anything questionable, don’t just ignore it. Tighten up a loose nut, replace a washer, or—if in doubt—call in a pro before your small leak turns your bathroom into an indoor pool.
Baby Your Water Pressure (Less is More)
You know that super-strong shower that feels like a carwash? It’s fun, sure, but crazy-high water pressure can actually put your pipes at risk for leaks and bursts. If you hear banging (like your walls are being used as bongos every time you turn off a faucet), check your pressure.
Ideal numbers? Shoot for somewhere between 40 and 60 psi. If you’re not sure how to handle it, a plumber can help—and sometimes all it takes is a quick adjustment to a pressure regulator.
Be Gentle with the Garbage Disposal
This handy kitchen gadget gets pushed too hard by more people than you’d guess. Only put in soft foods (think: eggshells, small veggie scraps, oatmeal) and run cold water while it’s on. Never toss in fibrous stuff like celery, corn husks, or potato peels—they’ll just tangle and jam everything up.
Schedule a Pro Visit Before You Really Need One
Finally, don’t wait until you’re knee-deep in a watery mess. Book a check-in with a residential plumbing services expert every couple of years—sort of like taking your car for an oil change. They can scope out hidden issues and clue you in on any looming trouble.
Treat your pipes right, and they’ll quietly do their job for decades. And if you do find yourself with an unexpected plumbing adventure, at least you’ll know you went down swinging (with a wrench, not a mop).