Want to keep clogged toilets and backed up sinks out of your life? Here’s a drain and piping maintenance checklist for any homeowner looking to avoid costly septic repair in Prior Lake, MN:
- Check for leaks: Wherever there are water pipes or faucets in your home, there’s the potential for leaks and water pooling. Not surprisingly the most common areas to fall victim to leaks are under bathroom, kitchen and laundry room sinks. But when you think about leaks, you are likely visualizing slow water droplets bouncing off the floor or a steady spray shooting out a pipe. The truth is, however, that most of your home’s plumbing runs through your walls, ceilings and floors, so be on the lookout for water damage like stains or mold around these areas.
- Inspect pipes: As far as home maintenance is concerned, it’s a good idea to perform seasonal inspections of your home’s septic system for signs of damage. Although most pipes are not visible, you can still make a general assessment of the piping you can see based on indications of corrosion. Copper and brass pipes exhibit green staining, while steel pipes’ corrosion presents as an orange and yellow discoloration. Also check indoor and outdoor faucets for similar signs since they are susceptible to leaks as well.
- Clean out kitchen drains: Your septic tank can become overworked when large pieces of food debris are disposed of down kitchen sinks, but the thing that can really wreak havoc on your septic system’s pipes are dirty drains. From constant food waste to non-biodegradable garbage and objects making their way through pipes, your drains can eventually fall victim to a great deal of stress. This can lead to drain damage or major clogs. Take the time to make sure drains are free and clear of problems and flowing smoothly.
- Check toilet tanks: While the components in your toilet tank are made to be submerged in water, that does not mean they will remain in perfect condition forever. Remove the tank lid and check for rust, mold, corrosion and damage due to wear and tear on parts, as well as the inside of the tank itself. Once a main component corrodes, overflows and constant tank water cycling can occur, causing your septic tank or system to back up. This, of course, will likely be followed by costly replacements or septic repair in Prior Lake, MN.
- Keep shower hair catchers clear: First, if your shower does not have a hair catcher, get one. This will prevent a majority of hair from making a run for it down your drains to cause clogs. Even worse, over time, hair, soap scum and dirt may lead to buildup deep down in an unreachable section of water piping. It’s best to clear hair from the catcher after every shower and occasionally pour a septic approved cleaner down the drain.
To maintain your home’s septic system, follow this basic checklist coupled with annual septic and drain service. For quality septic repair in Prior Lake, MN and more, contact the team at Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services to schedule an appointment today.