Plumbing problems can come in many shapes and sizes, from a clogged drain to a leaky faucet. They often appear right when you least expect them. It may seem tempting to solve the problem yourself, but it could lead to more problems. This is especially true if you don’t have the right training or experience.
Some basic plumbing issues can be fixed with just a little love and care. These useful tips will help you solve those issues in your home.
10 Simple Tips for Homeowners
Not everything is meant to be flushed
It may surprise some that your toilet bowl should not be used as a trash can. The “throne” in your home should only be used for human waste and toilet paper. You may be tempted to put your “health” at risk by clogging your toilet bowl. You can prevent a problem from ever happening by learning which household items should not be flushed .
Get familiar with your home’s shut-off valve
It doesn’t matter if you have lived in the house for several weeks or twenty years, knowing where the main shutoff valve is located in your home is essential. This is because it will allow you to turn off the water supply throughout your home in the event of an emergency. Keep in mind that not all main shutoff valves are located within the house. There is a good chance that you don’t have a valve that is solely for your apartment if you live in an apartment.
Garbage-Free Drains
A nearby sink drain is another plumbing fixture that is often misused in many homes. Although it might be tempting to just “poke down” all the garbage, this can cause serious damage to your drain’s health.
You should not dispose of vegetable shavings or coffee grounds down your drain. They can block the pipes and cause serious problems. Even if your garbage disposal is installed, the incorrect items can cause the blades to snap, break, or cause a blockage.
Avoid accidentally bursting pipes
You should check for pipes in walls, ceilings, and floors before you renovate your home. Just as you would call 811 to report a problem with your property, so you can also check for any plumbing issues. This can prevent potential pipe punctures and help you avoid major plumbing problems.
Professional Long Beach Plumbers can use an endoscopic camera to find the pipes behind your walls. This is a great way to locate them.
A dry vacuum can be helpful
It’s happened to us all: Your kitchen sink appears to be suffering from a blockage that won’t go away no matter what you do. We recommend that you use a dry-vacuum to clean the drains instead of using chemicals. This sturdy machine, also known as a “shopvac”, can quickly clear a severe clog. It is ideal for removing any miscellaneous items that could have been the cause of the obstruction.
When in Doubt, Plunger Out
If your sink clog appears to be reversible, you can use a plunger. You will need a flat-shaped sink plunger and a bell-shaped toilet plunger.
Get your leaks fixed immediately
It doesn’t matter how small or large the problem, it is important to get plumbing leaks fixed immediately. They can not only be a nuisance but also increase the water waste in your house. A leaking faucet can lead to up to eight gallons per day of wasted H2O.
After plumbing projects, check for leaks
You should also be aware of the importance of checking for leaks after you have completed a plumbing project. You can run water through your plumbing system to check if it needs any adjustments or repairs.
Trust Plumber’s Tape
This tape is also known as Teflon tape and can be used to prevent leakage around joints and fittings. To seal the deal, wrap the plumber’s tape around the threads at least three times.
It’s not ideal to over-tighten
Make sure to not over-tighten connections and fittings when you secure them. This is a common problem in plumbing that can lead to a poor job.