An ounce of prevention…
No one wants to deal with a clogged toilet, a burst pipe, or a serious flood. Here are a few things you can do to make sure that disasters don’t happen.
Only flush flushables
Don’t flush things down the toilet that aren’t supposed to be flushed. Toilets should only be used for human waste and toilet paper. Even baby wipes should not be flushed unless they are specifically designed to be flushable. Speaking to all members of the family to ensure they understand this could save you money in the long term.
Out of town?
If you are planning a trip away for more than a day or two, consider shutting off the water supply to the house. This will eliminate the risk of a flood if a pipe bursts or springs a leak while you are away. (If you’re going out of town for a few days, you can also set your water heater to “vacation mode,” 50°F. This keeps the water warm enough to avoid freezing, but also avoids wasting money by keeping water warmer than it needs to be while you’re not home).
FOGs cause clogs
Do not let fat, oils, or grease (FOGs) go down the kitchen sink — even if you have a garbage disposal. Grease will solidify when it cools, causing it and any food waste to begin clogging up the pipes. (Read more about safe ways to dispose of FOGs here.)
Know your valves
Make sure that everybody living in the property knows where the main water shut-off valve is located. It’s a good idea to label this valve with a hang-tag as a backup. Shutting off the water as quickly as possible if something goes wrong will minimize damage.
Keep your pipes safe in the winter
During the winter season, follow these tips for making sure your pipes don’t freeze or burst.
