Plumbing checks before Thanksgiving
By Zach Eads , Owner
Article. Published
Before Thanksgiving, take a few minutes to look for visible leaks and review what goes down your drains. These checks give Oklahoma City area homeowners a place to start; they do not diagnose every plumbing problem.
Look for water outside pipes and fittings
The EPA recommends examining faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for water on the outside of the pipe. If you find a leak, note where you saw the water before discussing plumbing repairs.
Check the toilet for a leak
The EPA suggests putting a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. If color appears in the bowl after 10 minutes, the toilet has a leak. Flush immediately after the test to avoid staining the tank.
If your home has a septic system
The EPA’s septic guidance says not to flush anything besides human waste and toilet paper and never to pour cooking oil or grease down the drain. It also advises eliminating or limiting garbage disposal use to reduce fats, grease and solids entering the septic tank, which can clog the drainfield. These recommendations are specific to the EPA’s septic guidance.
Talk through a plumbing concern
For a slow drain, explore drain cleaning. For a visible leak or toilet concern, see plumbing repairs.
Arnold’s Plumbing, Heating & Air serves the Oklahoma City area, including Del City and Midwest City. Call (405) 672-2094 or use the service request form to share what you noticed.