Six Proactive Tips to Prevent Emergency Plumbing Issues

Homeowners depend on reliable plumbing for so much of their daily lives: from hot showers and hot brewed coffee in the morning to cleanly washed clothes, sparkling dishes, and, most importantly, toilets that flush when they’re supposed to!  But it’s easy to take your complex plumbing system for granted… until disaster strikes. When tile cracks, pipes leak, or your plumbing goes awry, it can lead to an expensive mess.

That’s why Mr. Holland’s Home Services believes in “Proactive Plumbing.” 

So, don’t let a future plumbing emergency catch you—and your budget—by surprise. Just follow our six (yes, six, because five just didn’t seem like enough!) simple tips for preventing a major indoor plumbing emergency.

1. Invest in routine plumbing maintenance. First things first. The best way to avoid an unforeseen plumbing disaster is by investing in recurring plumbing inspections.  It’s easy to schedule regular visits from Mr. Holland’s expert team, who are dedicated to serving you and maintaining a fully functional plumbing system for your home. At a plumbing maintenance appointment, our professionals conduct comprehensive cleaning and adjustment services that can result in better water pressure, a decrease in mold or mildew growth, and may even help you save on monthly water bills. Investing now means you won’t have to pay later.
2. Watch for leaks and act fast! Small leaks never stay small for long and even the drip-drip-drip of a pipe under your sink can result in mold. So, it’s important to periodically look for unwanted water throughout your home. What should you include on your inspection list? Check for leaky faucets, moisture in sink cabinets, water marks, musty smells, damp carpets, loose toilets, and even dripping refrigerators. If you do ever find an unwanted plumbing problem, remember to be proactive! Don’t let the issue become some forgotten number on your lost “To Do List.” Call Mr. Holland’s Home Services right away.
3. Know what you can (and definitely shouldn’t) flush down the toilet. Flushing the wrong things down your toilet can lead to clogged pipes, overflowing toilet bowls, and damage to the sewer system. So, what exactly can you flush? It’s actually quite simple: anything that is human waste or toilet paper is A-OK for you to send down the toilet drain! But there are plenty of “no-no’s” that are flushed every day. For example, baby wipes, even if they are marketed as flushable, can clog your pipes. Never flush feminine hygiene products, dental floss, contacts, paper towels, cotton balls and swabs, face masks, bandages, unused medications, cleaning wipes, or chemicals of any kind, including automotive fluid, paint thinners, or weed killer!
4. Be kind to your sinks. Clogs aren’t just for toilets (see above!)—they happen in sinks every day and are one of the most common plumbing problems. But there are easy ways to keep your pipes clear. In the bathroom, avoid sending hair, dental floss, or unbroken chunks of soap down the drain as they can easily become trapped and lead to slow drainage or backups. As for the kitchen sink, install a strainer to catch large food particles and never empty baking oil or other fats in the drain. This leads us to tip number 5…
5. Avoid store-bought chemical drain cleaners! When you discover a clogged drain anywhere in your system, most homeowners run to the local hardware store and buy a heavy-duty chemical cleaner as a quick fix. While dumping half a bottle of toxic chemicals into your sink or toilet is easy and affordable, it can be quite damaging to your pipes. Over time, it can also result in some expensive repairs. On top of all that, these chemicals can be hazardous to your health. The alternative is to educate yourself about basic drain maintenance; look online for helpful tips and videos. Or you can call in a professional from Mr. Holland’s Home Services to safely handle unexpected clogs.
6. Know how to turn off your water. If a plumbing emergency does hit your home, despite all of your proactive planning, your first step is to stop the damage at the source. If you know how to locate the shut-off valve for your toilets, sinks, washing machine, dishwasher—and even your home’s main water shut-off valve—you can prevent a watery mess from turning into something more disastrous. Once you’ve stopped the leak at the source, be sure to call Mr. Holland’s professional plumbers; we’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Don’t take your plumbing system for granted. It’s easier than you think to be proactive and avoid a major indoor plumbing emergency. When disaster comes knocking, you’ll be ready with the help of Mr. Holland’s Home Services.