Since you own your house, you are in charge of all of its systems, including the plumbing, and you are liable for them. Unresolved plumbing issues can cost thousands to fix. So, even if you merely learn to stop water from leaking from the pipes until a plumber arrives, plumbing skills will benefit you as a homeowner. Here are five simple plumbing tips for homeowners that will leave you feeling at ease.
Locate The Main Water Valve
The most important plumbing tip for new homeowners is where and how to shut off the water supply. Every home has a shut-off valve for the main water line, either in the basement, crawl space, under the water heater, under the kitchen sink, or outside the home in a covered utility box buried in the ground. If there is a big leak in your house, you will want to have the ability to rapidly switch off the water supply to prevent more extensive damage.
Don’t Flush Everything
Many individuals must be made aware that only some things can be disposed of in the toilet as they should. Paper towels, sanitary napkins, and other things can cause significant problems in your plumbing system if flushed down the toilet. Hence, you should only flush human waste and water down the toilet.
Learn The Proper Use Of A Plunger
One of the most common plumbing problems you’ll probably run into is a clog; a plunger is one of the best tools for fixing it. However, many people need to learn how to use them correctly. When plunging a sink or tub, you must first close any overflow holes and ensure there is just the right amount of water in the basin you are plunging.
Avoid Draining Grease Or Oil
Pouring grease down the drain after you’ve finished cooking may seem convenient, but it poses a much greater risk than most people think. By causing blockages, grease and frying oil can seriously harm your drainage system, garbage disposal system, and even sewage system. Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) should be disposed of properly to avoid plumbing jams and even complete pipe blockages.
Draining And Flushing A Tank Water Heater
Although this advice is a little more advanced than the others, it is nonetheless essential. Tank water heaters may develop mineral and sediment buildup over time, which can interfere with heating and make the appliance work harder. If left unattended, this buildup may result in a leak or an early failure of the water heater. The tank must be drained and cleaned with fresh water to eliminate the sediment. If you have hard water, you should perform this operation more frequently than once a year.
What’s Next?
If you want to feel confident that your plumbing is in good working order, having a plumber inspect your system every year or two is a good idea. A regular inspection will help you catch problems early on and avoid expensive repairs down the road. Bueno Plumbing is the company to call if you want to feel confident that your home’s plumbing is in good working order. Our friendly and experienced technicians will come out on time, clean up after themselves, and leave you at ease.
