How to Avoid Expensive Plumbing Calls

Pipes and fixtures like faucets and drains are usually things we take for granted in our home until they malfunction and we realize just how vitally important they are – and how expensive they can be to repair!

It really doesn’t take a lot of effort to keep your home’s water transportation system running smoothly. Here are a few tips and suggestions from the plumbing experts at Reliance®:

Toilet blockages

Flushing anything down the toilet except toilet paper is never a good idea.

Baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels and so-called flushable disinfectant wipes you’re likely using more of during the COVID-19 crisis don’t seem like they can cause problems but they can create a damming effect. They build up, block pipes and can cause your toilet to clog or overflow.

Quite simply, anything flushed that doesn’t have the word toilet in its name increases the risk of a clogged toilet. Paper towels, feminine hygiene products and makeup should all be thrown in the garbage or a green bin, depending on the services in your municipality. Even if a product like baby wipes claims to be “flushable”, they often don’t break down in water so have a higher chance of causing a clog.

Plungers are a helpful tool for some clogs, but in some cases, plungers can actually push an obstruction further down the pipe. Consider adding a claw tool to your washroom collection to carefully remove bulkier objects that may have accidentally fallen in.
In some cases, however, a clogged toilet may be a sign of a bigger problem. That’s why we offer a drain cleaning service. A Reliance™ plumbing expert will determine if the clog is being caused by a blockage in the trap, drainpipe or sewer line. We’ll not only remove nasty clogs but also install new drains if necessary, ensuring that drain problems won’t reoccur in the future.

Bathtub clogs

Hair is something else that doesn’t seem like it could wreak havoc but, over time, strands of hair can get caught in your shower drain and build up in nasty clumps that slow down water drainage to a crawl. Remove and clean your shower stopper regularly or buy a small mesh basket to gather stray hairs.

Some bath products could also be clogging your drain. Here are some tips and tricks to keep both you and your bathtub pipes happy and clean!

Kitchen sink blockages

Like hair in the shower or a paper towel down your toilet, a little cooking oil, fat and grease down the sink doesn’t seem like it can cause problems but, boy, can it! While it may be in more or less liquid form when it goes down, these cooking byproducts solidify and build up around the inside of your pipes, like smoking can do in arteries over time.

Be sure to clean them often before a blockage may occur and if the problem persists, it may be time to have a licensed plumber come in and professionally clear those stubborn drains.

Do you know where to shut off your water?

One of the most dangerous moments during a water emergency is not acting fast enough to shut off your water supply to avoid any further flooding damage. Make sure you and every family member know where each fixture’s water shut-off valve is located. You’ll want to know where your home’s water shut-off valve is located, too – especially if you’re going to be away from home for any extended period of time.

Get protected

If and when all else fails, it’s always comforting to know you’re protected when something goes wrong. A Reliance Plumbing Protection Plan – including parts and labour, with no deductible or hidden costs – can protect your home and budget and help you save on unexpected repair costs.
You can learn more about our plans here.

Call on Reliance™ or book online today for any plumbing products and services you need.