5 Things to Consider When Managing Salt and Time

Time and salt are major components of any home maintenance plan. Without a knowledge of when and how to best use them, you may be at a loss on how to keep your home in good working order. Abacus Residential and Commercial Plumbers offers tips to help you manage salt and time successfully. To get started, here are five important things to consider.

1. Consult a Licensed Plumber

Before you attempt any do-it-yourself repairs, consider consulting a licensed plumber. An experienced plumber can advise you on the best approach and materials for a particular plumbing problem as well as help manage cost, time, and salt in the most efficient manner.  For instance, a plumber could tell you whether the plumbing issue requires a repair, replacement, or just simple maintenance. This way, you don't end up wasting time or money attempting to do something that didn't need to be done.

2. Use the Right Type of Salt

Different plumbing issues require different types of salt. For instance, fine table salt, also known as sodium chloride, can be used to soften hard water. This type of salt is also often used in septic tanks, water softeners, and other filtration systems to aid in the removal of iron and calcium. On the other hand, coarse rock salt, also known as solar salt, is used for de-icing sidewalks, driveways, and other areas that experience heavy snowfall. It's important to use the correct type of salt for any given situation.

3. Make Sure the Timing is Right

The timing of salt use is just as important as the type. For instance, rock salt is best used just before a snow storm. This way, it will have the most time to do its job of de-icing. Similarly, sodium chloride should be added to a water softener just after a tank clean, to ensure that it can be distributed equally throughout the tank, and not settle in the bottom of the tank.

4. Follow Pre-Treatment Guidelines

Using the wrong type of salt or applying it too late or too early can be a major headache. To avoid wasting time or money, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's recommended guidelines. In particular, check the manufacturer's instructions to see if pre-treatment is needed or if any additional products must be added prior to introducing salt.

5. Take Safety Precautions

When dealing with either type of salt, it's important to follow safety precautions. Depending on the type of salt, it may irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction, or it may corrode metal parts. In addition, to protect yourself and your family, you should always wear protective clothing when dealing with salt.

Managing salt and time properly can make all the difference in ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your plumbing system. If in doubt, always consult a licensed plumber who can advise, install, maintain, and repair your plumbing system as needed.

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