Frequently Asked Questions About Salt Usage & Timely Maintenance

It's a busy world out there, and home maintenance often takes a back seat—but it shouldn't. Taking the time to ensure your pipes and drains stay in good condition is an important part of a happy and healthy home. And it all starts with salt and timely maintenance. But what kinds of salt should you use when maintaining your plumbing? And how regularly should you go about it?

To help keep Austin, TX-based property owners informed and up to date with their home maintenance needs, here's a quick guide to some frequently asked questions Abacus Residential and Commercial Plumbers get about salt usage and timely maintenance.

What Type of Salt is Ideal for Home Maintenance?

When it comes to maintaining your plumbing, the type of salt you use really matters. Sodium chloride, otherwise known as regular table salt, is one of the cheapest and most readily available salts; however, it is not ideal for home maintenance. For this, it's best to opt for a more concentrated form of salt such as rock salt, well brine, or deicing salt.

Rock salt is often the go-to salt for residential plumbing and drains, as it is both inexpensive and effective. Well brine or deicing salt are slightly more expensive and better suited for larger, commercial plumbing systems that may demand a more heavy-duty cleaning.

How Often Should Maintainers Clean Their Drains?

It's recommended that you have your plumbing system checked and cleaned every few months, preferably as regularly as every three months. However, this is dependent on the type of plumbing system you have and how often it's used.

If your drains see a lot of action, it would be beneficial to check them more frequently. You may want to start with a basic assessment at least once a month to identify any blockages or issues that may require more thorough cleaning.

What Are the Benefits to Regular Salt Cleaning?

When done right, salt cleaning is an effective and surprisingly low-maintenance way to keep your plumbing system running smoothly. A few things regular salt cleaning will help you achieve are:

• Prevention of harmful bacteria and bad odors

• Reduced water bills due to fewer clogs and blockages

• Proper flow and drainage

• Increased longevity of your plumbing system and its components

What Safety Measures Should Be Considered When Cleaning My Drains?

Always exercise caution when cleaning your drains, no matter how adept you are at DIY tasks. Under no circumstances should any cleaning agent be ingested, as a number of chemicals are strictly prohibited for use and can contain toxins that could lead to serious health hazards.

Additionally, avoid using any form of sharp object to clean out clogged drains, as it could damage your pipes or your plumbing system. Finally, make sure any chemicals used are environmentally safe, so that the environment in and around your home is not adversely affected.

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