There are many common problems that may occur with any given plumbing or sewer system. These problems range from simple clogs to burst pipes. In some instances, there may even be tiny pressure leaks due to improper clamping procedures or small holes that are hard to locate.

Freezing Pipes

This is a common problem for many people, and will afflict a large number of homes and businesses over the course of any given winter. There are a few measures to prevent pipe freezes but it is important to remember that these measures must be completed fully in order for them to work.

• Insulate pipes in areas that are not heated. Cracks and breaks in pipes are formed when ice is formed inside of them. Insulating the pipes will help maintain the temperature within the pipes.
• Disconnect and drain garden hoses prior to turning off the outside faucets for the winter season. If the building has internal shut-off valves that lead to these outside faucets turn those off and drain the line prior to turning off the faucets.
• Use an insulation kit for outside faucets to prevent warping and breakage.
• Flush out the water in your water heater in the fall. This will remove some of he sediment trapped therein, and improve its working lifespan.
• When you leave home for an extended period of time in the winter months shut off the main water valve. Once this is done, open the faucets at the highest and the lowest points of the building. This will remove the water from the lines and help to prevent freezes.

Sewer Back-up Issues

Most of the time when the plumbing and sewer backs up there is a clog in the line somewhere. In many instances simply using a drain snake will fix this issue. Similar concerns occur when a garbage disposal system backs up and the water seal evaporates. This issue will cause the scent of rotting bio-matter to permeate throughout the home. There are several items to keep in mind in order to fix the situation or to prevent these scenarios from occurring.

• Do not pour grease down your drains. This is a very important preventative measure as grease will often harden and clog sewer lines. It also causes chemical issues and may lead to contamination concerns.
• If the garbage disposal system is giving off an odor this will normally mean that the water seal that traps the scent of the disposal has evaporated. A bucket of water should be poured into the traps for the disposal, sinks, and bathtub periodically in order to flush the system and restore the water seal.
• Do not allow solid food articles to enter a sink drain line. Solid food articles such as beans or macaroni entering drain lines may lead to the same issues as pouring grease down the sink.
• Periodically using a drain cleaning solution will save a great deal of time and frustration later. These substances help remove hard water residue and loosen other types of clogs as well.