A tiny crack in a pipe can cause significant water damage, especially if it isn’t noticed for a while. Imagine the damage caused if a pipe bursts. It’s vital to take care of the plumbing inside a home to minimize the potential for anything to happen and to protect the home from water damage. Some of the ways to protect the plumbing include the following. 

Have it Professionally Maintained

Professional maintenance can help spot issues early before they might otherwise be detected, so they can be fixed before they become a bigger problem. Maintenance services help to keep an eye on the entire plumbing system so it works as expected and will continue to provide fresh water and remove wastewater from the home. It is a good idea to take advantage of professional plumbing services at least once per year to keep the system properly maintained. 

Insulate Pipes During the Winter

When the temperature drops, it’s important to insulate the pipes to prevent the water from freezing inside of them. Exposed pipes can freeze, which causes expansion. If enough water freezes in the pipes, it can cause them to burst. Though it won’t start leaking immediately because of the ice, as soon as it starts to warm up even a little bit, there will be a lot of melting water. This can cause significant damage to the home, especially if it happens while everyone is away. Insulating the pipes helps to prevent the water inside them from freezing, so they don’t end up breaking. 

Don’t Use Drain Cleaners

Drain cleaners are touted as miracle products that can clear any clog. They are harsh chemicals that can be dangerous to have in the house, especially if there are small children or pets in the home. On top of this, they aren’t actually as effective as they claim. They might get water flowing again, but they won’t completely clean the pipes and the blockage will occur again. Plus, because they are made from harsh chemicals, they will cause damage to the pipes over time.

Instead, use an auger to clear blockages. This tool is designed to go through the pipes and clear out anything that might be blocking it, though there are limitations. Have a professional handle the job to make sure it’s done carefully to prevent damage. If the blockage is too far down for an auger, professionals have other means to clear the pipes and get them working again. 

Pay Attention to What is Flushed

Many blockages occur because things are flushed down the toilet that shouldn’t be there. Flushable wipes claim to be able to be flushed down the toilet, but they actually can cause blockages because they don’t dissolve fast enough. Then there are always small toys and other items that kids flush down the toilet. Anything that isn’t supposed to be flushed can cause the toilet to become blocked and require repairs. If the blockage is bad enough, it may be necessary to replace the toilet. 

Keeping the plumbing in good shape and paying attention to it can help prevent pipe breaks from blockages or damage. Use the tips here to make sure you’re doing everything right to protect the pipes and help them last as long as possible, so you don’t end up dealing with water damage in the house.