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Seasonal Plumbing Tips For Winter

     Most people underestimate the value of having good, solid piping and structure in their homes. Ultimately, having a good understanding of plumbing and the problems that come along with it can help you greatly in the future. Winter is here to stay and frozen pipes are bound to become an issue in many homes across the country. Stay ahead of the curve with these tips on how to prevent or at least minimize the damage that can be done to the plumbing. 



    Holiday visitors can add extra strain to a home's plumbing system. Cooking a slew of meals in the kitchen likely results in lots of grease and food being thrown into the disposal or sink drain. Holiday guests also equate to more showers and baths as well as extra toilet flushes. This all adds up to a potential plumbing disaster. Pipes clog because of gradual build up of grease, hair, soap and food particles. It doesn't take much to cause an emergency. 

    1. Try to avoid pouring fats or cooking oil down the drain. Liquid fats solidify in the pipes leading to clogs. Wipe the grease off the pots and pans before washing them in the sink. Never put hard-to-grind items in the disposal such as carrots, celery or poultry skins. The disposal cannot sufficiently grind these items so the end result will be a clogged sink drain. Run cold water for about 15 seconds before and after using the garbage disposal. It helps flush down any left behind food in the drain. 

    2. Plan your showers out ahead of time. Wait a minimum of  10 minutes between showers instead of taking them back-to-back. Slightly crank up the water heater in order to retain hot water. Do not exceed 125 Fahrenheit.

    3. Frozen pipes are a colossal disaster waiting to happen. Prevent them by installing the pipe sin an insulated place. Be sure whoever is installing the pipes buries them well below the frost line underground. Avoid placing the pipes in attics or garages. These are not heated spaces and it might cause the water to freeze inside the pipes and crack. During extreme cold weather moments, let the faucet drip until the weather passes. This is a good trick to stop a pipe from bursting.   

    If god forbid you run into a frozen pipe situation, call us at Shakley Mechanical to fix all your plumbing service needs. In addition to repairs, we can install and upgrade your existing plumbing fixtures. We also have an emergency response service near Ashland and Mansfield, Ohio. Call us today at (419) 281-6909 to speak with one of our team members about what plumbing service and repair options we can provide for you! 

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