How to Avoid Bathroom Plumbing Emergencies

The best way to handle common bathroom plumbing emergencies is to prevent them before they happen. Staying on top of your plumbing maintenance today can save you from a flooded bathroom tomorrow. With preventative plumbing maintenance, you can rest assured that your bathroom is protected from a messy, expensive, and time-consuming plumbing emergency.

Here are some of the most common bathroom plumbing issues and tips for how you can avoid them.

Clogged Shower Drain

A clogged shower drain is a common plumbing problem. This is caused by a buildup of debris such as hair and soap scum. To mitigate this, install a shower drain that includes a hair catcher – this makes it easy to remove and clean, keeping your shower drain clear and functional. If the problem persists, try using a drain cleaner to dissolve any debris stuck further down the drain. If the clog still persists after these methods, it’s time to call a professional.

Drainage

Like a shower drain, a bathroom sink can also become clogged and slow to drain water. It’s important to tackle a clogged sink before it becomes a bigger plumbing problem. One homemade solution is to use baking soda and vinegar to clear the drain. Using a funnel on a completely drained sink, pour ¼ cup of baking soda followed by 1 ¼ cup of vinegar down the drain. After plugging with a sink stopper, allow the mixture to sit for twenty minutes, then pour hot water to flush it out.  

The best way to treat a clogged sink is to lessen the amount of debris that accumulates in the drain. Try to avoid flushing any hair after shaving, add a screen or grate, and clean the stopper regularly.  

Overflowing Toilet

Nothing is more frustrating than a toilet that just won’t flush. The best way to keep your toilet working is to only flush toilet paper down the drain. Materials like sanitary products or wet wipes are not biodegradable, and can cause toilet blockages. When dealing with blockages, first turn off the water valve and try to clear the blockage with a plunger. An auger (a plumbing snake) can also be used for deeper blockages. If none of these methods work, a professional plumber should be your next step.

Sewage Backup and Sewer Line

When wastewater cannot properly flow through the sewer line, it reverses direction and can flow back into your home. This can be caused by an aging system, heavy rainfall, or broken pipes. If you notice multiple drains clogging at the same time, wet spots in your yard near the sewer line, or a strange gurgling sound from drains, it’s time for immediate action. Professional plumbing repair is the only way to fix sewage backup.

To prevent a sewer line emergency, it’s best to schedule routine sewer system inspections. Paying for regular inspections will prevent costly emergency repairs, saving you money in the long run.

When in Doubt, Contact the Professionals: Get Expert Help in Gainesville, GA

Not every plumbing problem is obvious when it begins. Keep an eye out for things like leaking faucets, strange noises from pipes, a foul smell from a drain, and a change in water pressure. These can be indicative of a bigger problem that requires immediate attention. With Lawson Air Conditioning and Plumbing’s Planned Service Agreement, you get a team that responds to plumbing issues 24/7; we work hard, so you can rest easy.

To keep your home’s plumbing in the best condition possible, contact our team at Lawson AC to schedule preventative plumbing maintenance in Gainesville and North Georgia today.

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