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Plumbing Tips

5 Ways to Prevent Plumbing Emergencies

By Mike Holt, NJ Master Plumber · March 1, 2024 · 2 min read · Updated March 13, 2024

4.9 from 174 Google reviews · NJ Master Plumber Lic. #36BI01345600

Chrome shower valve with hot and cold handles

How Can I Avoid a Plumbing Emergency?

A plumbing emergency can cost you your peace of mind, substantial repair expenses, and property damage. That is why our team at Plumbing Doctor recommends getting professional assistance on how to avoid them. Most plumbing issues usually develop over time. Therefore, when you fix them in their early stages, you can prevent a significant disaster. Simple things like checking what goes down the toilet and sinks and repairing leaks can significantly improve your plumbing experience. However, avoiding DIY activities that risk damaging your fixtures and pipes is essential. Leave the professional work to the trained plumbers for better results. Here is a piece that can help you know what you can do to prevent plumbing emergencies.

1. Repair Leaks On Time

Leaks usually happen when a fixture or pipe develops a crack and allows water to escape. In most cases, it may begin with a few drops a minute, depending on the amount of water passing in the line. However, the flow rate increases over time, causing you to lose gallons of water a year. When you do not call for repairs early enough, the gap may widen, leading to a pipe burst that requires a more expensive repair session.

2. Mind What You Flush

It is important to only flush human waste and sizeable chunks of tissue paper down the toilet. Avoid using the toilet to dispose of dirty water, female sanitary towels, hair, pieces of soap, and other huge solids. These items do not quickly disintegrate in water and may block the drains or sewer line, causing sewage backup.

3. Invest in Drain Sieves

You can also prevent clogging by investing in drain sieves. These mesh-like items prevent solids from going down the drain by trapping them at the drain entrance. You can use them in the showers, bathtubs, and sinks, and remember always to remove the solids after the water drains.

4. Schedule Regular Maintenance Checks

Our plumbing team recommends annual maintenance checks for your entire plumbing network. In these appointments, we check for leaks, aging, loose fittings, and other issues affecting your fixtures and lines. Adhering to regular assessments can prevent significant problems from developing since we will arrest the issues early enough.

5. Avoid Harsh Drain Cleaning Chemicals

Our Plumbing Doctor team highly discourages the use of drain cleaning chemicals since they damage your lines. They cause the pipes to corrode, thus making them susceptible to cracks and pipe bursts.

It is crucial to work with our plumbing team to help you know what best suits your plumbing system. Our plumbers give credible advice, and we always show up on time whenever you have a plumbing issue.

Need a licensed plumber?Mike gives you a flat price before any work starts. Book by 9 a.m. for same-day service.
Mike Holt
About the author

Michael Holt

Owner and operator of Plumbing Doctor, NJ Master Plumber (Lic. #36BI01345600) and U.S. military veteran.

More about Mike

Water on the floor right now?

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Nights, weekends and holidays: emergency visits are an extra $250, paid upfront. We tell you on the phone before we drive out.

Do this now

  1. Shut the main valve. Usually where the water line enters, near the meter.
  2. Kill power to anything wet, from the breaker panel, if you can reach it dry.
  3. Open a low faucet to drain the pipes and take pressure off the leak.
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What neighbors say

4.9174 reviews

Mike works quickly and is transparent with pricing. He's trustworthy, reliable and brings his own shoe covers.

Naomi H.Google review★★★★★

Had backup and they came out in half hour on a Sunday and got the blockage resolved. They cleaned up after themselves. Very very professional people.

Richard F.Google review★★★★★

They tell me what is worth doing or not doing, and won't try to upcharge me. The work is always great. They are my go-to!

Hazim A.Google review★★★★★

Found my outdoor cleanout that was covered up for years and no other company could find! … They use drop cloths and clean up when they are done.

Kevin C.Google review★★★★★

Very knowledgeable, attention to detail, extremely neat and organized. We highly recommend Plumbing Doctor.

JoeGoogle review★★★★★

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