How great would it be if you never had to get in touch with a plumber? Well, some services are so specialized and specific that an expert will be required to help. However, much like auto maintenance, there are some basic tips that will help  you avoid expensive professional service bills.

Most plumbing repairs and plumbing emergencies can be prevented as long as you know what to look for as you take care of your household plumbing needs.

No one likes to wake up and find out that a pipe has burst. Discovering a clogged drain is never fun. The best way to solve these issues is to simply prevent them.

Here are a few plumbing tips that will help you keep the annual cost of plumbing services for your home or office to a minimum. Once you develop savvy plumbing habits, the savings will pile up. Remember to learn basic plumbing services from a plumbing professional, then instruct the members of your family on how to keep your plumbing in safer waters.

• Only flush bodily waste and toilet paper down the toilet, not solid waste. Diapers, feminine hygiene products or paper towels are regular culprits for clogging drains. This is why a garbage can in the bathroom is a good idea.
• Put a strainer in your kitchen sink to catch large debris. This is particularly important if you do not have a garbage disposal installed.
• Leave low heat on during extended stays away from home. Having some heat on in the house protects pipes, especially any exposed pipes under sinks or in older properties, from freezing over and bursting the next time water flows through them. When taking off for a few days or even weeks at a time. Remember, burst pipes are more expensive than low heat.
• Check your washing machine hoses once every six months for leaks. Since your washing machine hoses may crack and grow brittle over time, it is a good idea to look at the pipes just to make sure that you are not leaking water that costs you more on your utility bills and could also lead to mold issues.
• Make sure you know where the main water shutoff valve is in the house. Every person living in a house should be able to cut off water supply in an emergency to prevent flooding. This valve should be clearly labeled. Shut the valve off as soon as you notice flooding to prevent severe property damage. The water supply should also be shut off during extended vacations or renovations.

Developing these habits will keep your plumbing system functioning properly and help your home avoid plumbing emergencies and repairs. If an emergency does eventually occur, however, do not hesitate to contactPlumb Tech.