Here we share some helpful drain maintenance tips.
Drain clogs can be rather annoying when they occur. Something has created a blockage in the drain pipes and is stopping water from flowing. In some cases, the clogs can be so bad you might have to call in a professional plumber like Hansen’s Plumbing to unclog the drains. There can be all sorts of causes for clogged drains, from soap and hair to grease and food particles. Let’s take a look at some of the different areas where clogs can occur and what you can do to prevent them!
Commercial Drain Cleaning
People often underestimate the importance of plumbing in their commercial business, but think about it; you can work hard to create the best business in the world, but something as understated as a water leak could cause thousands of pounds worth of damage. The following information will help you understand common services conducted to remove the blockage of your commercial drains:
• Drain Snaking- is the simplest method of cleaning a clogged drain and is usually the first method a plumber will use to try to clear a blockage. Plumbers have drain snakes that can reach deep into your sewer pipes. In that case, a different commercial drain cleaning method may be required.
• Flush only what’s necessary- when it comes to toilets, the only thing you should be flushing is toilet paper and human waste-anything else can cause clogging and spell disaster. For commercial business this may be difficult to enforce as you don’t have total control, but putting up signs reminding people of this far could be your best to avoid potential trouble.
• Check pressure- There’s nothing worse than a limp shower, so if you own a hotel and your shower are lacking water pressure then your guests aren’t likely to return-and could leave a bad review in the process. Using a pressure gauge can help you test the pressure in your water circulation system.
Bathroom Clogs
Bathroom clogs are not fun at all. From the toilet to the showerhead, the sink to the drains, bathroom plumbing maintenance is an important part of keeping your home running efficiently. The following information will help you better maintain your bathroom and guard against disrepair and plumbing emergencies.
Toilet Maintenace
• Keep your toilet clean- You should clean the inside and the outside of your toilet once a week. To brush the inside of a toilet, use a brush with plastic bristles and toilet bowl cleaner or bleach. Avoid using metal brushes and abrasive cleaners as these can scratch the surface making it porous and vulnerable to stains and cracks.
• Check your toilet for leaks- When cleaning your toilet, it’s a good idea to periodically make a habit of checking for leaks. If you detect a leak, call your local plumber (Hansen’s Plumbing) to come in and inspect the problem as the issue could be more than you realize.
• Toilet flushing slow- The water stored in the tank might not be filling up to the correct level. Another common issue is that the rinse holes located underneath the toilet bowl lip could be clogged. If you notice that your toilet is slow to flush, carefully remove the tank lid and inspect the water level to see if it where it should be, which is near or just underneath the overflow pipe.
• Toilet Running- If you hear your toilet running, consider it not only wasted water, but wasted money on your water bill. If this is happening, call your local plumber immediately to help remedy the issue.
Showerhead Maintenance
• Rub the Nozzels- Many shower heads have flexible rubber nozzels. You can dislodge mineral buildup by simply massaging each nozzle with your finger. You can also gently scrub the nozzle with a toothbrush.
• Soak the Shower Head in Vinegar- If you prefer to leave the shower head attached to the pipe coming out of the wall, you can fill a plastic bag with vinegar and wrap it around the shower head. Secure the bag around the head with a rubber band, tape, or a twist tie. Leave the bag around the shower head for a few hours. Remove the bag and turn on the water for a few minutes to clear the vinegar out of the shower head.
• Clean the filter screen- To clean the filter screen run the screen under water for a few minutes to flush out any buildup. You can use a toothbrush to gently brush out mineral deposits.
Faucet Maintenance
• Clean Faucet Aerators- Start by closing or covering the sink drain so that nothing falls down the drain.
• Remove the aerator from the faucet by turning it clockwise. If it doesn’t turn easily, pliers will be necessary.
• Note the order and location of the components in the aerator. You may want to snap a photo or two before you take it apart to aide with reassembly.
• Use a toothbrush to clean of the components. If the toothbrush does not fully clean the screen, try using
• When finish cleaning the aerator components, reassemble the aerator is reverse order from the way it came apart.
• Screw the aerator back on the faucet. Tighten by hand in the counterclockwise direction. Only use pliers to tighten the aerator if water leaks around the threads after hand-tightening. If using pliers, remember to wrap the aerator with the tape or use a rag to protect the faucet finish.
Water Heater Maintenance
Water heater maintenance is an appliance you rely on every day. By performing key maintenance tasks, you can not only save money on costly repairs, but also make sure that your water heater continues to run well for years to come. Here are a few ways to maintain your heater…
• Lower the temperature setting on your water heater. Many water heaters’ default setting is over 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Most professional plumbers recommend a temperature setting of about 115-120 degrees. This lower setting will help reduce the chances of your water hetaer overheating as well as save you up to 5% on your energy bill.
• Inspect the temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve). The T&P valve is the safety valve on your water heater. If the water heater was to continue to heat water, even after reaching the set temperature, it could lead to an explosion from the build up pressure. To prevent this, excess pressure and temperature is expelled through this valve to keep your water heater running safely.
• Perform a mini flush on your water heater. Over time, sediments builds up in your water heater tank. This sediment can both corrode you tank and decrease your water heater’s efficieny. To prevent these problems, you need to regularly flush your water heart. How often you need to flush it will depend on the hardness and acidity of water in your area.
• Wrap your water heater tank in an insulating blanket. An insulating blanket around the tank of your water heater, as well as insulating any exposed pipes, helps reduce energy consumption by dereasing the amount of standby heat loss. This can also extend the life of your water heater by lowering the deman on it.
• Get an annual professional water heater inspection/tune up. Much like your car, your water heater needs regular maintenance from certified, trained professionals. Professional plumbers are trained and know what to look for. They will inspect parts of your water heater that you do not safely have access to.
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, clogs still happen. When they do, it is best to call a professional for quality drain cleaning and repair before the problem gets worse. The technicians at Hansen’s Plumbing will provide both you and your home with quality care and attention for all your plumbing needs. For more information, contact us today.
