Keep your plumbing working at peak performance with Roto-Rooter’s simple preventative maintenance tips, designed to prevent clogged drains and avoid costly service repairs.

Follow these simple steps to ensure premium plumbing performance throughout the year:

1. BE MINDFUL OF WHAT YOU ARE FLUSHING

Your plumbing is sensitive which means flushing items on the “do-not-flush” list can be harmful to both your plumbing and the environment. Items like feminine hygiene products, cotton ball or swabs should never be flushed, these items do not break down in sewage and will end up blocking your drain lines, causing a clog. A good rule of thumb, if you don’t think it shouldn’t be flushed – don’t flush it.

2. PROTECT YOUR HOME’S DRAINAGE SYSTEM

Place hair catchers over drains in your baths and showers. Hair catchers will catch anything that is too big to break down in your pipes. Rather than using harsh chemicals that can weaken your pipes over time, hair catchers are a simple and cost-effective way to prevent clogs.

3. INSULATE YOUR PIPES

Protecting your pipes from harsh winter weather conditions is another crucial preventative step you can take when trying to avoid clogged drains and costly plumbing repairs. Even if your area doesn’t see extreme winters, all it takes is the temperature to go below freezing and you could potentially have frozen pipes. Your pipes will need a little extra insulation to keep them warm and not vulnerable to the elements.

Preparing your pipes is simple and can be done at home. Purchase pipe insulation sleeves at your local hardware store. Cut and wrap the insulation around the pipes that are most exposed to the elements.

4. GARBAGE DISPOSALS

Since garbage disposals are designed to break down food waste, a limited amount of food scraps are meant for your disposal. However, large quantities or dense foods that don’t grind down easily should be avoided. Always avoid putting these items down your garbage disposal:

• Non-food items.
• Bones.
• Grease from pans or greasy foods.
• Fibrous foods like lettuce, carrots, onion skins and potato peels.
• Foods that increase in size with water like pasta, rice and other grains.

All of these materials can cause your disposal to be blocked or even broken. 

ADDRESS PLUMBING ISSUES EARLY

Whether you have a leaky faucet or you are experiencing low water pressure, addressing plumbing issues early can save you added cost on your utility bill, not to mention the environmental impact on one of our most precious resources- water. Sometimes a repair can be a simple replacement part while other service calls might be more detailed. However serious the plumbing emergency, let Roto-Rooter’s team of prompt plumbing professionals assess the situation to get your plumbing working properly. We are available to service all of your plumbing needs – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including holidays.

WHEN TO CALL THE PROFESSIONALS

For more do-it-yourself plumbing tips, see Roto-Rooter’s online plumbing basics for detailed information and helpful videos designed to help you maximize your plumbing’s efficiency throughout your home.

Sometimes do-it-yourself isn’t an option and when you need to call in the plumbing professionals,

Roto-Rooter is equipped to handle all of your residential plumbing needs. 

Our licensed and experience plumbers will get your plumbing serviced correctly, the first time.