Homeowners should be aware of basic plumbing maintenance tricks in case of an emergency. You do not have to be an expert to solve minor issues. Also, knowing crucial plumbing maintenance practices prevents possible damage to the system. You will save thousands of dollars in the long run. Therefore, all homeowners should take the time to learn basic plumbing 101 to keep their home in good condition.
Practical Plumbing Maintenance Tricks Every Homeowner Needs
Contents
- 1 Practical Plumbing Maintenance Tricks Every Homeowner Needs
- 1.1 1. Always Know Where To Shutoff The Water Supply
- 1.2 2. Prevent Further Damage By Focusing On Early Plumbing Repair
- 1.3 3. Avoid Toilet Overflows
- 1.4 4. Do Not Flush Material That Can Clog The Toilet
- 1.5 5. Learn To Prevent Clogged Pipes
- 1.6 6. Get Familiar With Your New Home
- 1.7 7. Call A Professional Plumber
- 1.8 Last Words
- 2 Call Robinson Plumbing For All Of Your Plumbing Requirements
Here are helpful plumbing maintenance tricks to remember:
1. Always Know Where To Shutoff The Water Supply
In the event of a water leak, you should be able to turn off the water main shutoff valve as soon as you can. Doing this prevents flooding and further water damage.
The main shutoff valve is usually located at the exterior wall of your house facing a street. That is the usual direction where the water supply from your municipality or city comes from.
If you cannot find it outside, trace the water lines until you find a valve. If you are not sure what it looks like, check your property inspection report. It should provide you with a picture of the valve installed in your home. If that doesn’t work, you could always ask your local plumber to show you where to locate it.
2. Prevent Further Damage By Focusing On Early Plumbing Repair
If you find a leaking faucet or a water leak, have it inspected as soon as possible. You do not want a minor annoyance to turn into a worse plumbing issue.
Find out the source of puddles of water. Broken plumbing pipelines, damaged faucets, cracked drain pipes, and even leaking icemakers can cause moisture damage to your home. Have them fixed as soon as you can.
3. Avoid Toilet Overflows
Whenever the toilet clogs, you usually give it an extra flush to forcefully get rid of the blockage. A better option is to use a plunger. Push the blockage with manual force to unclog the drain.
If you flushed again and the clog does not move, the water may start to rise. If this happens, it will overflow on the floor and create a mess.
Act fast to stop the impending mess. Remove the lid off the toilet tank and close the toilet flapper valve manually. It will prevent the water from flowing from the tank into the bowl.
4. Do Not Flush Material That Can Clog The Toilet
Some people, especially kids and young adults, flush anything into the toilet. Teach them not to flush items such as cotton balls, floss, Q-tips, feminine hygiene products, gum, hair, and others.
Inappropriate materials can cause severe obstructions in the drain. Blocked pipes are hard to unclog and require expensive declogging procedures.
5. Learn To Prevent Clogged Pipes
Food is the common culprit for clogged pipes and problematic garbage disposals. Never allow scraps of food down the drain. Also, never support grease or fat to run down your sink.
When fat is warm, it can easily travel down the drain. As soon as it cools, it causes serious issues. Fat hardens and constricts the flow of water. In worse cases, solidified fat or grease completely blocks the drain.
You can fix minor fat blockages by pouring hot water down the drain. You can also apply heat directly around the affected pipes. You can pour hot water or use a hair blower.
However, if too much fat accumulates, you may need to call a professional plumber to fix the issue. The plumber has to remove the blockage manually.
6. Get Familiar With Your New Home
Moving into a new house is stressful. You have to deal with moving your furniture, appliances, and other materials into the house. Make sure the plumbing system in your new home works smoothly.
Ask your real estate agent plumbing-related questions. When was the boiler or water heater last serviced? If the agent is not aware, he or she can refer you to someone who does.
Determine the age of the building, as well. Older homes may still have lead pipes in them. Lead is highly toxic and can contaminate the water supply. Replace them as soon as possible with safer material.
If you plan on having a new bathroom or kitchen fitted, check for regulations on plumbing systems. A seasoned professional plumber can help you with these concerns.
7. Call A Professional Plumber
Professional plumbers are experts who are trained to excel in their field. Although you can fix minor issues with a plunger, a drain snake, or hot water, there are major issues that you may not be able to handle.
As soon as a leaky pipe or a water leak starts to bother you, you can always rely on a professional to fix the problem without causing further damage to your home.
Last Words
Hopefully, these plumbing maintenance tricks come in handy in the future. Although basic maintenance tricks can do wonders, your plumbing system requires professional maintenance to operate smoothly.
A trusted plumber can provide you with peace of mind. Also, never hesitate to call one as soon as you spot a potential plumbing problem before it causes further damage.
Call Robinson Plumbing For All Of Your Plumbing Requirements
Contact Robinson Plumbing, one of the most trusted plumbing companies in the Lehigh Valley, for reliable plumbing services. We offer various plumbing services ranging from water heater replacements, whole-house water filter installations, toilet repairs and replacements, water leak repairs, and more. We always give a wide range of solutions when possible for any plumbing repairs. This allows you to choose the best options for your budget and home.
We proudly offer the most affordable and best plumbing services in the Lehigh Valley area. Our plumbers all have the proper licenses and expertise to ensure your satisfaction. All of our work comes with a guarantee. Contact Robinson Plumbing today and schedule your free estimate.
Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or click here to contact us for any questions that you might have!