Expert Plumbing Tips from Ben Manis Plumbing

Pipes have a tendency to freeze in unprotected areas. Let the faucets in those areas drip to prevent frozen water lines.

Garbage disposals do not handle stringy items or bones. To get the longest life out of your disposal, pour a little bit of vegetable oil down the disposal without water every other month.

A drain machine does not clean your sewer. It unclogs the blockage. To clean your line thoroughly and remove all scale, grease, and tree roots, you must use a high-velocity water jet.

Filters for your heater and air conditioner should be changed periodically, especially in the summer, so your unit runs properly and efficiently.

It's common practice to heat-wrap and insulate unprotected water lines and heat lines. Always shut down and drain your exterior hose bibs to prevent freezing.

To help your drainage system, avoid pouring grease into your kitchen sink. Use an old vegetable can to collect the grease, let it harden, and dispose of it in the trash.

Area drains should be kept clear of all debris by removing leaves in the fall in order to prevent major backups.

Preventative sump pump maintenance: Pour a bucket of water into the pit to check for proper working conditions. If you have a battery backup, you should test it monthly for proper charge and operation. Always make sure your discharge line is clear.

Washing machines discharge lint. If you drain your washing machine into a laundry tub, it would be a good idea to purchase a lint catcher to go on the end of the hose at your local hardware store. You can also use old pantyhose, but make sure to change them frequently.

To help prevent high water bills, check your toilet for water passing from the tank into the bowl. An easy way to do this is to put a couple of drops of food coloring (we recommend red) into the tank. Allow it to settle, then check to see if the color starts to appear in the bowl. If it does, it's time to change your flapper.

Sump pumps should be checked periodically to make sure they are in working condition. Do not wait for the storm to come in!

Water heaters should be flushed once a year to remove all the sediment that builds up on the bottom of the tank.

Never flush women's personals or paper towels down your toilet!

If you have tree roots entering your sewer line and are aware of this, it would be a good idea to have your line properly cleaned.

Always know where to shut off the water for your entire house in case of an emergency!

When your faucet or hose bib starts to drip, it is time to put a new washer on it. This will save you money on your water bill and save you the larger expense of replacing the faucet.

Is something just not right with your sewer system? We offer camera inspections to determine the issue. Call (267) 627-2756.