When it comes to making a run for the living room TV remote or segueing 180 degrees during an uncomfortable discussion, you’re tough to beat. But when it comes to developing the right reflexes regarding your plumbing, it’s a bit like being asked to catch a fish on the fly with your eyes closed while reciting the alphabet backwards. Luckily, we’re here to help you take care of things. In our last article, we listed 6 simple tips to keep your plumping in tip-top shape. Here we present 5 more, just to make sure you’re fully prepared. You’ll see, taking care of your plumbing is a piece of cake.
1) Steer clear of chemicals to unclog pipes
A variety of drain cleaners are available on the market that are so effective that they will strip away absolutely everything, including your pipes. When unclogging your pipes, avoid corrosive chemicals like the plague and always use the gentle approach.
Our not-so-secret recipe:
- ½ cup of baking soda
- 1 cup of vinegar
- A dash of good will, to taste
Loosen up your drains with this natural mixture about once a week. Pour it in, let it work for 10 minutes and rinse with 4 cups of boiling water. Easy as pie.
2) DIY plumbers, beware!
This is the story of a guy who wanted to fix his toilet himself to save a few bucks and succeeded, a glint of pride in his eyes. Until two weeks later he discovered his watertight connection in the basement wasn’t so watertight after all.
Whether it’s your brother-in-law or your mailman, if he’s not a certified master plumber, he shouldn’t be playing in your walls. Don’t overestimate your talents either. Of course, some simple work (especially preventive work!) can be done by a skilled homeowner who’s good with his hands. But don’t tackle the big projects. No YouTube tutorial can run around looking for some buckets while you’re holding your hand on a pipe.
3) Beware of old toilet seats
Did it live through the American Civil War? Keep this basic principle in mind at all times: avoid old toilet seats like the plague. Take the time to weigh the pros and cons before leaping into the fire. Be patient and work carefully. Not convinced yet? Explanations are coming up next!
Old toilet seats are synonymous with rusty nuts and bolts. You’ll need a lot more than a spanner and a strong arm to get the job done. Moreover, if one sharp blow goes awry or an unstable hacksaw loses its grip, you could damage your toilet or trigger an even bigger problem.
4) Don’t ignore a leak
As they say, it’s always best to solve a small problem before it becomes a big one. Turning a blind eye leads to the waste of a precious commodity, while allowing a small, inexpensive problem to morph into Incredible Hulk. Hello, damage! Want a good tip? At the first sign of a drip, book an appointment with a plumber, preferably a good one. It just so happens we have a whole team of them who are available by phone to offer advice on what to do until the cavalry arrives.
5) Choose a certified plumber
Refer to Tip #2 to refresh your memory! A certified plumber isn’t the one who certifies that the work will be well done as promised. It’s the plumber who, in addition to the know-how they have acquired over the years, is certified by the Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec (CMMTQ). In other words, a certified master plumber has the qualifications required to perform plumbing work in full compliance with the Régie du bâtiment du Québec’s (RBQ) Construction Code. Take our word for it; you don’t want to settle for anything else.
Plombier Expert, a team of certified master plumbers
Staying in shape is hard work. This is also true for your home. By putting into practice these plumbing tips, your new Olympic champion reflexes will have a very positive impact on the health of your home appliances, plumbing and wallet. For everything else, Plombier Expert is there!
