When it comes to plumbing, pipes are an integral part of the setup. If your pipes are leaking or not working properly, you will have to devote money and time to repairs. The best way to prevent a potentially expensive and/or time consuming repair is to keep your pipes working well, in the first place. Eventually, all pipes will likely need some form of repair. This is because pipes work incredibly hard. Every time you brush your teeth, flush a toilet or wash the dishes - any time you use any water at all - the pipes are sustaining use. Over time, there may be leakages or small cracks that form. However, there are some things that you can do in order to keep your plumbing in good working order for as long as possible. Read on to learn more about things that you can do to proactively protect your plumbing. Don't Use Chemical Cleaners When you have a clog in your pipe or drain and water isn't draining as quickly as it should - or at all - it's tempting to reach for an easy fix: chemical drain cleaner. While these can be effective in the immediate term, they will cause your pipes to sustain damage over time. They can damage your pipes, clearing the clog but potentially setting you up for a more significant plumbing problem over time. Only Flush Appropriate Material Do not flush things down the toilet that aren't meant to be flushed. The things that can be flushed are generally limited to toilet paper and waste. Anything other than this does not belong in the drain. Wet wipes, hygiene products, and trash should never be flushed down the drain. To do so can create clogs that can build up and cause your pipe to crack, leak, and or burst. This is not a good outcome. To avoid it, don't flush anything other than the approved items mentioned above. Check Your Water Pressure Keeping your water pressure at the right level goes a long way towards keeping your pipes in good working order. Water pressure should stay below 85 PSI. Any higher and the pressure can wear out pipes, weakening them over time. If you need plumbing services in the Walnut Creek area, contact us. At Landa Plumbing, we offer superior service and results - every time. We look forward to hearing from you!