1. Be Careful What Goes Down the Drain
Clogged drains are extremely common, but the good news is they’re also easy to prevent with just a bit of care.
Kitchen Drains
Avoid putting grease, oils, egg shells, coffee grounds, and large food particles down the sink. Grease hardens inside pipes, eventually leading to a stubborn clog.
Bathroom Drains
Hair is the number one cause of bathroom drain blockages. A simple drain screen goes a long way in preventing buildup.
Prevention is always cheaper and easier than clearing a backed-up drain.
2. Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Valve Is
During a leak or burst pipe, shutting off the water immediately can prevent major damage. Most homes in
Idaho Falls and surrounding communities have the water main shutoff located:
- Near the water heater
- In a basement or utility room
- Along an exterior foundation wall
Take a moment to confirm where yours is. It’s something every homeowner should know.
3. Address Small Leaks Early
A slow drip or a small wet area beneath a sink might not seem urgent, but ignoring it allows problems to grow. Small leaks can:
- Increase your monthly water bill
- Lead to mold or mildew
- Damage cabinets, flooring, or drywall
If you notice moisture — even a little — it’s best to have a
licensed plumbing contractor inspect it before the issue spreads.
4. Protect Your Pipes During Winter
Winters in
Idaho Falls can get extremely cold, and frozen pipes are a common issue. When water freezes inside pipes, it expands and can cause cracking or bursting.
To protect your home:
- Insulate pipes in basements, crawlspaces, and exterior walls
- Leave cabinet doors open under sinks during freezing weather
- Keep indoor temperature above 55°F
- Allow faucets to drip slowly in severe cold spells
A bit of preparation now can prevent expensive repairs later.
5. Maintain Your Water Heater
Sediment naturally builds up inside water heater tanks over time, forcing the heater to work harder.
To extend the life of your water heater:
- Flush the tank annually
- Check the pressure relief valve
- Inspect for rust or corrosion
- Monitor water temperature consistency
If you’re unsure how to perform maintenance safely, a
professional plumber can handle it quickly and correctly.
6. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners can erode pipes and damage rubber seals, which may create bigger problems down the road.
Instead, try:
- A drain snake
- A plunger
- Natural cleaning (hot water + vinegar)
If the clog keeps returning, it may be deeper inside your plumbing system and requires professional attention.
7. Schedule Routine Plumbing Inspections
Even if everything
seems fine, plumbing issues can develop silently. A periodic inspection from a
local plumbing company helps catch early signs of:
- Hidden leaks
- Pressure irregularities
- Pipe corrosion
- Water heater wear
This is especially helpful in older homes or homes with hard water.
8. Know When to Call a Professional
DIY is great for small fixes, but some problems need a professional hand. Call a
professional plumber if you notice:
- Sewer odor or backup
- Water heater failure
- Sudden drops in water pressure
- Leak in walls, ceilings, or floors
- A clog affecting multiple drains
- No hot water
- Burst or damaged pipes
Attempting complex repairs without the right tools can worsen the damage and increase repair costs.
Why Homeowners in Idaho Falls and Surrounding Communities Trust Summers Plumbing
At Summers Plumbing, we’ve been providing reliable, professional
plumbing solutions for over 40 years. Our team is committed to high-quality workmanship, clear communication, and treating your home with care and respect.
Homeowners choose us because we offer:
- Honest, upfront pricing
- Skilled and licensed technicians
- Fast response times
- Practical solutions that last
- A friendly, down-to-earth approach to service
We don’t just fix plumbing issues — we help prevent them.
Keep Your Home’s Plumbing Strong All Year Long
Your home is a major investment, and your plumbing system plays a big role in protecting its value and comfort. With good maintenance habits and a dependable plumbing team to call when needed, you can avoid unnecessary repairs and keep your home running smoothly in every season.
For inquiries, you can
contact us at
(208) 221-3837 or visit our site
www.summersplumbinginc.com.
We proudly serve Idaho Falls and surrounding communities with trusted, local plumbing care.
