When it comes to owning a home, one of the most common issues that can arise is plumbing. Dealing with a plumbing issue is never fun; however, by ensuring that you and your family are educated on how to handle issues, they do not have to be so stressful. Continue reading to learn some excellent advice on how you and your family can handle any plumbing issue.
First, it is important all the people in your house are aware of the location of the main shut-off valve. This valve will quickly turn off the water supply. This can be extremely handy in case of a severe leak that is flooding the house. If you are not home, you need other people to know where this main shut-off valve is. In addition, they need to know how to properly turn it off and back on.
You should always be looking for leaks in your plumbing. Even if you do not notice any leaks, that does not mean there isn't a leak. There may be a very small leak, and if you do not spot it, you could end up paying way too much on your water bill. In addition, leaks can cause big problems, such as mold and slowly eating away the floors and walls. Therefore, anytime you notice a leak, you should immediately fix it. Do not procrastinate.
Clogged toilets are a huge pain; unfortunately, you are bound to experience them from time to time. A clogged toilet can occur for a multiple of reasons, including too much toilet paper without flushing or an object your child or a pet put into the toilet. Regardless of the reason for the clog, it is important that you handle it immediately before the toilet overflows and causes damage to your floors and walls.
To deal with a clogged toilet, you should first make sure you only flush one time. If the water does not go down, the toilet is clogged. You should not risk flushing it a second time, thinking that maybe the water will go down. Although this is a possibility, it likely will not go down. This can quickly result in an overflow.
Second, make sure the toilet's faucet is turned off. This faucet is located right beside the toilet. Do not turn off the home's main water supply because your family may need water.
Third, put on some rubber gloves and attempt to identify the source of the problem. Although digging into the toilet is not ideal, it is necessary so that you know what the problem is. If you can resolve the problem with gloves, do so.
Finally, if necessary, use a plunger. Make sure the plunger is a large heavy-duty rubber one so that you can apply enough pressure. You may need to add a little bit of water to the toilet yourself in order to help the clog go down. If the clog is too deep and you cannot resolve it, then it is time for a professional plumber.
Ensure everyone in the family knows the plumber's number. That way, if there are major problems when you are not home, someone will be able to call the plumber so that he or she can resolve any plumbing problems.
By teaching yourself and your family how to deal with plumbing issues, you can be rest assured that your home is safe from plumbing disasters. Make use of the advice presented here to ensure everyone is on the same page.