Ensuring that your plumbing system continues to operate without fault is necessary for a decent quality of life. Your plumbing helps you wash dishes, take showers, and ensure the toilet always flushes. Use these tips to keep your system working efficiently.

1. Don't Dump Grease

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, about 200,000 sewer blockages annually are caused by grease. That's because grease turns into a solid when it cools down. So, you pour down a liquid, it makes its way through the pipes and then hardens, resulting in a clog. Instead, dump it into an old coffee container and throw the container away when it's full.

2. Use Hair Strainers

Long hair is another common culprit behind clogs. It gets wrapped around the shower drain, forming a massive hairball. Then, when that ball tries to make its way through your pipes, it results in a clog. Instead, invest in a small strainer for your shower to catch hair.

3. Only Flush Toilet Paper

Flushing other things down the toilet can instantly result in a clog. For example, flushing baby wipes, sanitary napkins, or tampons can stop your toilet. Flushing cigarette butts can slowly lead to a massive clog because these don't make it through the plumbing system. Instead, they slowly build up until water can't pass through.

4. Avoid Chemical Fixes

A common DIY fix homeowners try is dumping chemicals down the drain to remove clogs. However, this does more harm than good. The harsh chemicals often eat away at clogs to remove them but also at the pipes. Using these means, you'll have to replace pipes much sooner.

5. Provide Protection From Freezing

Freezing weather can instantly lead to frozen pipes that may burst. Frozen pipes are more likely to be a problem in basements or rooms along the house's exterior, such as houses with a bathroom along the exterior. Open cabinet doors and turn the heat up to keep the pipes warm.

6. Routine Maintenance

Having your pipes regularly inspected by a professional is a great way to prevent problems before they happen. Routine maintenance can involve inspecting pipes to determine whether you need a replacement. It can also involve flushing them to remove debris, such as food, stuck to the pipe.

When you need a reliable plumbing professional to help remove clogs or give you an estimate, you don't have to look very far. Just give us a call at Maples Plumbing & Heating and we'll be happy to help!