Home repairs are no joke. Although many of them can be avoided by taking early preventive measures, others are unpredictably inevitable such as the common plumbing problems. They can even result to more damages in the house that can involve hundreds if not thousands of money in repair bills. To minimize these worries, here are few plumbing tips for homeowners to discover what they can do on their own when plumbing crises arise.
One of the most practical plumbing tips for homeowners is to prevent the occurrence of plumbing problems. While they are quite impossible to prevent, there are ways of stopping them into becoming a full-blown nightmare. Initially, all homeowners must know the location of the main water shut-off valve in the house and learn how to shut it off. The valve is typically found near the water meter in front of the house so it is easy to locate and shut it off in case of leaks or sudden pipe burst. Some fixtures and appliances have individual shut-off valves. It is likewise helpful to identify and tag each one to avoid confusion when there is the need to shut off any of them.
Knowing where the essential plumbing components and materials are located is not an assurance that the problem can be prevented, but it is certainly one way of thwarting bigger plumbing situation that can damage properties. Knowing where the shut-off valves are and how to use them literally means savings on your time and money.
Check the Plumbing System
Make it a point to check the condition of your water heater. The average lifespan of most water heaters lasts to about 15 to 20 years. Refer to the serial number label and look at the first four numbers, which are indicative of the month and year of manufacturing date. Apart from this, look out for other physical signs such as rust and corrosion to know if the device needs replacement.
For newer units, it is advised to give the water heater a flush. It involves continuous draining with several gallons of water until clear water comes out. Another recommended action is to check the hoses behind the washing machine and toilets. Make sure to replace cracked or worn out hoses with stainless steel, which are more durable against bursting.
Keep Drain Pipes Free and Clear
Put drain cover over the drains to prevent the entry of debris and other particles into the pipes. These include the drains in the sinks, bathroom shower, and even the gutters. Use strainer in the kitchen to keep large and hard materials from getting into the garbage disposal. Avoid dumping cooking oil, fat, and food items with “add-water only” instructions as they can harden in the drainpipes.
When water flow seems too slow to drain, remove the drain cover and suck out the clogged materials using a wet vacuum cleaner. Always check the sink trap below the bathroom room to remove the potentially lethal combination of hair and soap residue.
Use the Appropriate Plunger
Because most homeowners are not familiar with even the basic plumbing materials, there is the tendency to use the wrong plunger when the toilet becomes clogged. This may seem trivial, but when the right plunger is used it may result to early dislodging of clogs without having to resort to using other complicated tools or paying an expert plumber to handle the job. In most cases, homeowners buy the typical brown plunger with a cup attachment, which is actually a sink plunger. What is needed is a plunger with flange attachment specially shaped to create a better seal at the bottom of the toilet bowl.
There is nothing better than being educated on plumbing issues, materials, and actions to be made when water disaster strikes in the home front. These plumbing tips for homeowners can help them act wisely and empower them to undertake the necessary repair works saving time, money, properties, and even lives.