JT3 PLUMBING & MAINTENANCE

We hope the following prevention tips will help you reduce the number of plumbing issues you have in the future.

Prevent Clogged Drains

     • DO NOT put grease or oil down your kitchen drain. When grease, and fat cool down, they harden and can stick to your pipes holding onto                other debris as it tries to pass through the pipe.

     • Use strainers and plungers on all drains. Hair is the culprit causing a shower drain to get clogged. Limiting the amount of hair that                             goes down the drain will reduce the blockage in your pipes.

     • Run water while using the garbage disposal. Keep running the water after you turned off the disposal. This will clear the pipes of any                       remaining debris.

     • Think before you flush. Toilet paper is the only thing that should ever be flushed down the toilet. Facial tissues, Q-tips, cotton balls,                           sanitary products, diapers, disinfecting wipes, and beware the so called “Flushable Wipes”, they are not made to properly dissolve in                       water and will cause a clog if flushed down your toilet.

     • Use caution when using liquid drain cleaners. Some have harsh chemicals in them that can actually damage your pipes.

Garbage Disposal Don’ts

You should avoid putting the following items down your garbage disposal:

     • Fats / grease

     • Bone fragments and eggshells

     • Banana peels

     • Rice or Pasta

     • Potato and Onion skins

     • Coffee grounds

     • Un-popped popcorn kernels

     • Fruit pits and seeds

     • Stringy vegetables like celery & artichokes

     • Drano

Some other common items that you might avoid putting in your garbage disposal:

Your hand, shrimp shells, silverware, jewelry, cigarette butts, nut shells, plastic wrappers, rubber bands, balloons, bag clips, paper, and styrofoam.

With these tips your garbage disposal should stay in good working order.

Extend the life of your Water Heater

Flush your water heater annually, every six months in areas with hard water with high mineral content. This removes sediment which reduces the efficiency, causes corrosion and reduces the life of the water heater.

Reduce the Pressure

As nice as high water pressure can be when you’re taking a shower, it stresses your pipes, increasing the likelihood of a leak and can reduces the life of your plumbing and appliances.

Soften the Water

If your water has a high mineral content, known as hard water it can shorten the lifespan of your plumbing fixtures and appliances. Those naturally occurring minerals, usually magnesium or calcium, build up inside your pipes, faucets, showerheads and restrict flow, increasing the pressure.

Other Tips

Do you know where your shut off valve is and how to turn it off? Learning how to shut off your home’s water in an emergency can avoid costly water damage and save you money.

You should also know how to shut off the water to individual sinks, toilets, washing machines and other water-using appliances. Knowing how to shut off the water supply when there’s a problem can reduce the potential damage and reduce cleanup.

During the winter help prevent pipes from freezing by insulating exposed pipes, removing the water hose from outdoor faucets and wrap or use a Styrofoam faucet cover to protect it.