Ah, plumbing. Just hearing the word is already prompting waterworks, drainage, and whatnots. It’s not surprising that a lot of homeowners avoid this topic because, well, it’s quite a complex one, to begin with.
However, knowing at least the basics of plumbing can go a long way in making sure everything works as it should. Or else, you’ll be faced with water damage that could take weeks (and a lot of money) to repair.
Familiarizing yourself with the know-how of plumbing can help you manage and minimize excessive water damage that could alarmingly lead to tedious problems such as rotting floorboards and molds in walls.
Homeowners should also know when the problem requires the assistance of a professional plumbing service, for instance, silverwaterplumbing.com.au, if in that location. After all, some repairs require more than the average homeowner has knowledge of.
What Homeowners Should Know About Plumbing
Locating Your Water Main
Every homeowner should at least know where their water main is located. The water main is the first access point of water flowing into your house and coming from the municipal water supply.
Most homes have this located near the water heater, usually in the basement. You should see either a wheel or a level at the water main, which should be the shutoff valve.
Get to know the valve and how it works. At some point, you may need to turn it off to stop water flow into the house completely.
Take note that when you’re doing a major plumbing repair or work, the first step you need to take is to shut off the water main. That’s why it’s essential you know how it works.
There may be simple plumbing projects that would require locating the water main, depending on your contractor. If you need to have a faucet installation in Chantilly, the plumber may ask you to show them the water main first before starting their work.
Proper Toilet Care
When it comes to toilet care and maintenance concerning plumbing, you need to remember to make sure that you only flush your own waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Anything else could clog your pipes, including baby wipes, cotton swabs, and paper towels.
Make sure you have a plunger always on standby in case your toilet backs up.
Another thing to check is if the toilets are all working properly. Any sign of a running toilet could mean that there are components in your tank such as the toilet fill valve that need to be replaced.
It’s also worth mentioning that there can sometimes be tiny leaks that won’t make any sound at all. One way to check for invisible leaks is by placing food coloring in the tank of your toilet.
Leave it on and check back after half an hour or so. If the water in the bowl has any color, that means you have a leak in your tank.
Dealing With Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues that almost all homeowners would encounter throughout their stay on the property. It’s usually caused by hair strands that fall out as you shower, and those tend to build up over time.
You might think that when a drain gets clogged, the best way to address it is by using a liquid drain cleaner. Well, you should know that it could potentially cause another annoying problem.
Liquid drain cleaners are typically made from chemicals that could damage your plumbing infrastructure. So, next time you’re tempted to grab that container of drain cleaner, think again.
What you can do instead is to get a snake tool that could help in pulling out whatever is blocking the pipes of your tub or sink. Visit royalflushsa.com.au/blocked-drains/ for more info on blocked drains and what you can do to fix them.
As preventive measures, it’s best to know what substances can’t be put down in your drain. Place a filter in the shower to avoid the hair strands from accumulating inside the drain.
As for your kitchen sinks, eggshells and cooking grease shouldn’t be discarded in the garbage disposal.
Know When To Call A Professional
It pays to know the basics of plumbing around the house. But you should also know when it’s no longer in your scope of knowledge to address any issue or emergency problem in your water lines.
Know when to call a professional like rwjonesplumbing.com.au because, believe it or not, it’ll save you not just time but even money, too, in the long run.
Final Thoughts on What Homeowners Should Know About Plumbing
Plumbing may not be an easy world to navigate for some homeowners. But it’s highly recommended that you take the time to understand how it works.
What homeowners should know about plumbing could go a long way in preventing serious water damage. Learn the basics of repairs and tricks that could help in times of emergency water problems.
The first thing you need to know is where your water main is. Be sure you have fundamental skills in unclogging drains and sinks.
Don’t forget to care for your toilet, too. And lastly, know when to call a professional because it’s better to let a skilled plumber handle the problem. Especially if you think it’s too complex for you.