We’ve all had that moment of dread when the kitchen sink
isn’t draining or the tub is clogged. For me, that moment came when my
significant other dropped a cheese knife down the garbage disposal.
Plumbing issues in one apartment unit can affect other
homes, particularly in multi-story buildings. A backup in the kitchen sink or
in the tub may cause backups or even flooding. The professional maintenance
team should be called as soon as you see an issue.
A couple ounces of plumbing problem prevention can go a
long way in avoiding major issues.
Clean your drains
regularly. The tub, shower, and sink drains need to be cleared of any hair
or buildup regularly. There are simple tools and cleaning products that make
this job easy.
Keep a plunger
handy. Everyone should own a simple toilet plunger and keep it handy in
case of an overflow problem. In older buildings, you may have to be especially
careful.
Clear the garbage
disposal regularly. Disposals can clog quickly, particularly when you put down too much food or something gets caught in the blades.
If these aren’t cleaned with ice,
baking soda or cleaning products
regularly, terrible rotting smells
can result.
Watch your water
bill. A small leak or running toilet can cause your water bill to jump. If
you see a large increase in your bill, it’s worth looking at water lines and
checking for leaks. You may need to notify your manager or maintenance office
for help.