Q. Rafael, how can I prevent clogs? A. Like a dietitian might say: watch what you put in your pipes! For starters, keep your pipes free of grease. While that hot, fish-tainted grease in your frying pan might seem liquidy enough to drain down the sink, it’s not! Cooled down, and mixed with other drainage stuff in your pipes, grease can become quite solid. And just like a clogged artery, you’re drains will stop working. Also, don’t put food scraps down your kitchen drains. Don’

Q. Rafael, how can I avoid a costly plumbing emergency? A. First, know where your water shut-off valves are. You have your main shut-off, typically next to your water meter. Also, each fixture, such as your sink and toilet, will usually have shut-off valves for the plumbing in that section. Once you’ve identified these valves, make sure everyone in the home knows where they are and how to shut them off in case of an emergency. Shutting off the water in a timely manner can sa