There is a complex network of drains, pipes, and appliances in your house and they work together to ease your life. As a result, plumbing disasters are bound to happen and homeowners must know a thing or two regarding wires and pipes in their homes. Why do you need to know these things if you can easily notify a plumber whenever you need help?
Whereas it is a great idea to let plumbing experts handle the major fixes, when you have the required knowledge about how your house works, you can avoid even greater problems in the future. You do not need to have a huge educational background in electrical wiring and plumbing. Instead, if you have general knowledge about those, then you're good to go. In this article, you will find out five plumbing tips that every homeowner should know.
1. Know the location of your main water valve
The first thing you ought to know about your house especially if you have moved in recently is the location of the main water valve. That is the first access point of water coming to your house. Typically, the water main is located in your house's basement close to the water heater.
You will find a shutoff valve (either a wheel or lever) on the water main. When you close it, the valve will stop the flow of water completely. This knowledge can help you avoid emergency plumbing problems. More so, when you experience a situation such as a burst pipe or a leak, or you need to undertake a major plumbing project, the first step that you will take is shutting the water main off.
2. Learn how to fix clogged drains
Every homeowner has to experience a clogged drain at some point in time. When we take a shower, our hair usually falls out and over time, they build up. When you come across a clog, most people tend to use liquid drain cleaners. That is a huge mistake.
Although it seems like an easy fix for a clogged drain, always avoid using liquid drain cleaners. The chemicals in them and similar products could harm your plumbing infrastructure. When you realize that you have a tub or sink that keeps backing up, use a snake or a similar tool to pull out the debris that is blocking your pipes.
3. Keep a keen eye on water pressure
This is a critical part of maintaining a healthy plumbing system. In the same way that our blood pressure is measured every time we see the doctor, you must monitor the water pressure of your home as often as possible. You can do so by using a simple pressure gauge which is available at hardware or other home improvement stores at an affordable price.
If you want a more modern, accurate solution, you should consider installing a smart water monitoring system. By doing so, you will always know the pressure of your house's water in real-time. Also, you will be in a position to track water usage and detect possible leaks.
4. Never ignore dripping faucets
Dripping faucets are quite annoying. They also waste a lot of water if they go on for a long period. Leaks are mainly caused by a faulty component in the plumbing system or high water pressure. If you have a correctly working PRV, there is a high likelihood that it's a faulty element in the fixture.
In most cases, you can repair a faulty faucet by yourself. You only need to identify the type of fixture that your house has. Ball faucets are located on the sink of your kitchen. Disc faucets and cartridge faucets are mainly located in bathrooms. DIY videos that will guide you on how to fix all three types of faucets can be obtained online.
5. Watch out for signs of water leakage
Water leaks can take place at any part of your house. Some leaks are easily visible in plain sight, but others fly under the radar. Check out for discoloration spots on your walls and ceilings. In many instances, mold build-up is caused by water leaks. The mold appears as mildew, musty smell in attics, basements, or crawl spaces. Therefore, make it a habit to be checking around water appliances and fixtures periodically for leaks.
It is human nature to forget about the things that we don't see, and plumbing systems work away from the naked eye. However, your plumbing is prone to wear and tear just like everything else. The best way to avoid a plumbing disaster is to equip yourself with adequate knowledge about common plumbing issues and their solutions. Plumbing tips mentioned above will help you prevent and solve basic plumbing problems and save you a huge chunk of time and money.
