Have you done all you should to prepare your home for the winter? Drain all exterior hoses and store them for the winter. Outside faucets should be either freeze-proof or be supplied with a valve somewhere inside the house that allow you to shut off the water to the faucet for the winter. Failure to do this may cause the pipe to freeze and possibly burst when the winter comes. Remember to store your tools and anything usually left in the summer or during the warmer seasons.

Consider this motto; a little prevention costs a lot less than major repair. Its amazing just how much money and aggravation you can save yourself just by paying attention to up keeping the conditions of your drains. Imagine your drains as the major arteries of your house, clogging leads to major problems.  Plumbing companies receive most of their calls around the holidays when people are at their most careless.

To prevent clogged drains avoid the temptation of being lazy and flushing things that ought to be thrown in the garbage instead, things like grease, hair and solid bits that wont disperse. Use a drain basket in your sink to catch leftovers, these can be bought at any hardware or dollar store in different sizes and shapes for the right fit. Its a good idea to clean out your kitchen and bathroom drains once a month using a homemade cleaner which is economical and won't damage your plumbing.

To make homemade drain cleaner simply combine 250ml (1cup) of baking soda, 250ml (1 cup) of table salt and 65ml (1/4cup) of cream tartar. Store the dry ingredients in a safe place away from children, in a glass jar or tin, labelled clearly.

To use the cleaner put about 65ml (1/4cup) of Tye mixture into the drain and add 250ml (1cup) of water. The mixture will fizz and bubble. When the reaction stops run clear water from the tab through the drain.

As for keeping your toilet running, once again avoid the temptation to flush things that belong in the trash like wrappers, sanitary napkins, cigarette butts or wads of tissues.

Consider having the main drain line to the sewer cleaned if you can't remember the last time it was checked. Remember the motto; a little prevention costs a lot less than major repair.