Plumbing issues usually come in threes, but every home needs plumbing tips in order to avoid those plumbing issues before they occur.
Plumbing problems can be devastating not only for your home but also for your bank account. When a leaky pipe causes flooding in your home, it can cause thousands of dollars in damage.
Fortunately, there are ways to avoid plumbing issues. They are called plumbing tips. These tips help you save money and prevent plumbing issues from happening in your home.
As a homeowner, you may not think about your plumbing until there’s a problem. But taking a few simple steps to maintain your plumbing can save you time and money in the long run.
To help you prevent plumbing issues, here are 4 easy plumbing tips that every homeowner should know.
1. Know the main water shut-off valve Location
In the event of a plumbing emergency, your first priority should be to turn off the main water supply to your home. This is usually done by locating and turning off the water shut-off valve near the main water line.
In addition to shutting down all incoming water, this valve can also release any built up pressure in pipes, preventing them from bursting. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you cannot turn off the main water supply, remember to use one of these alternate methods:
Use a garden hose – Turn on full stream and aim it at an area below each pipe until it starts flowing again. Be sure not to get too close or direct spray will damage surfaces.
Call a plumber – A professional plumber can help with more complicated repairs or emergencies. Make sure to have their contact information handy so that they can arrive as quickly as possible. Hire licenced and experienced Plumber in Sætre (Rørlegger Sætre), Norway.
2. Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain
Grease and oil can easily harden and clog your plumbing, leading to costly repairs. Here are four ways that grease and oil can damage your pipes:
- They Can Cause Grease & Oil To Harden And Clog Your Pipes: When grease or oil solidifies, it forms a thick sludge that blocks the flow of water through the pipe. This can cause serious flooding in your home, as well as expensive repairs.
- 2. They Can Lead To Pipe corrosion: Over time, grease & oil will corrode metal piping, eventually causing leaks and even structural damage to your home.
- 3. They Can Cause Water Main Breakage: If enough grease or oil accumulates on top of a water main (due to inadequate drainage), strong pressure builds up inside the main until it bursts – often leaving behind major messes in its wake!
- 4. They Can Cause Bursts In Sewer Lines: Even small amounts of grease or oil left over from cooking can get trapped in sewer lines; this causes blockages that lead to sewage backup into homes downstream.
3. Inspect your plumbing regularly for leaks
Leaks can occur in any plumbing system, from the water main feeding your home to individual faucets and toilets. If you see a leak, don’t wait – take action right away by inspecting the area for damage, checking all seals around pipes and joints, and calling a professional plumber.
Here are some tips for detecting leaks:
Look for wet spots or puddles on the floor or near sinks or appliances. These may be signs of a larger problem with your plumbing system.
If you have an outdoor spigot that drips constantly even when there is no rain outside, it’s likely that there is a seal issue nearby that needs to be fixed before further damage occurs.
Watch where you pee – A common sign of a failing toilet is excessive leakage after use. This means that the toilet’s flapper valve isn’t closing properly which allows water to flow back up into the tank and out through the overflow pipe.
4. Know how to use a plunger
When it comes to fixing a clogged drain, one of the most common tools homeowners use is a plunger. Plungers are simple devices that consist of a handle and an interchangeable head. They’re used to dislodge objects such as hair, soap suds, or food from drains. In fact, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), plungers are one of the most-used home improvement tools in America.
But how do you use a plunger? Here are four tips for getting the job done right:
- Make sure your plunger is properly inflated before using it. Overinflated plungers can cause damage to pipes and fixtures, so be sure to inflate it until it’s firm but not too hard to grip.
- Use gentle strokes when plucking items out of your drain; excessive force may result in tears or cracks in your pipe.
- Don’t try to clear blocked drains with water alone; this could create additional blockages and lead to costly repairs down the road. Instead, combine plunging with manual cleaning techniques like using boiling water or vinegar on a scrub brush.
Also read, How to Avoid Common Plumbing Problems?
Briefly
Knowing these 4 easy plumbing tips can help you avoid plumbing issues in your home. However, if you run into a plumbing issue, you should contact a plumber.
We hope this article helped you learn how to maintain your plumbing. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments below.
