Whether you’re a new homeowner or an experienced homeowner with several properties across the United States, you must know various important plumbing tips. Issues with plumbing systems are bound to happen at some point, and knowing what to do can help prevent damage to your property.
Many plumbing tips are available since everyone has to deal with a plumbing issue. If you don’t know which works best for your needs, here are some of the tips that are most useful and essential for all homeowners:
Hire A Plumber And Get An Inspection
Unless you’re a licensed plumber yourself, it pays off to hire the best plumber or plumbing company in Alexandria if you’re from Virginia. Not all plumbing problems have a simple do-it-yourself (DIY) fix. Having a reliable plumber on speed dial can make your life easier once you end up with a plumbing disaster.
You can find a plumber by asking around. You can ask your co-workers, friends, or neighbors for recommendations. You may even browse online. Most plumbers these days have their own websites and social media profiles.
Before you pick out a team of professional plumbers located in San Diego or your local area, don’t forget to read reviews or testimonials to know who can provide you with a better plumbing service. Reading reviews will also help you learn about the plumbers’ reputation.
Once you’ve selected the right plumbing expert for your needs, consider getting an inspection. This will help you learn your plumbing system’s overall condition or status. Professionals can also recommend repairs and help you create a preventative maintenance plan to avoid serious issues in the future.
Flush Your Water Heater Regularly
Another essential plumbing upkeep or maintenance tip you should know as a homeowner is to flush your water heater regularly. Over time, sediments may build up in your water heater. These may cause it to work less efficiently and shorten its lifespan. The great news is that it’s easy to fix.
A simple call to your trusted plumber can help you flush the water heater immediately, removing sediment buildup effectively. Other than extending your water heater’s lifespan, flushing out the water heater may also help boost your unit’s performance. Therefore, if you want to keep your property’s plumbing in good condition, be sure to flush your water heater every six months.
Know Where Your Water Shut Off Valve Is
Knowing the location of your water shut-off valve or stopcock can save you thousands of dollars. In case of a major leak or burst pipe, turning off your valve can stop the water supply to your home and reduce the damage to your property.
The shut off valve is normally situated in the cupboard under your sink or maybe in your basement. If you can’t find it, ask your neighbors because similar properties typically have it located in the same place. You may use the time to meet your neighbors and make new friends as well.
Don’t Ignore Leaks
As a homeowner, one of your priorities should be keeping your plumbing system in good working order. One of the ways to do this is to fix leaks as early as you spot them. Even a small leak may cause serious damage to your house if it’s not repaired quickly. If not taken care of, leaks may cause a spike in your water bill and add up to expensive repairs.
While you can repair minor leaks yourself, it’s wise to leave everything to the pros. Besides, plumbing experts have the right tools and know the proper steps to avoid leaks in the long run.
Learn To Unclog Drains
Each property is bound to have clogged drains over time. Yet you don’t want to deal with this issue as much as possible. Although you can use liquid drain cleaners to clear out the debris in your drains, such cleaners may cause damage to your pipes. This is especially true if you use a product with harsh chemicals.
To unclog your drains without causing damage to your pipes, use a drain snake or a plunger instead. This may help remove debris in your drains naturally and won’t damage your plumbing system. If a plunger doesn’t work, call professional plumbers for help.
Use Garbage Disposal Properly
Most homeowners think that their garbage disposal can handle everything. It’s a common misconception since some people in the past often put large food items down there.
Nonetheless, as time passes, your garbage disposal blades may start to dull, preventing various food items from breaking down. This may then result in clogged drains and sinks, which are challenging to repair without hiring a professional. So, if you don’t want to hire a plumbing professional, learn how to use your garbage disposal appropriately.
Check Your Water Pressure
Most homeowners often neglect the significance of water pressure. And if you want to keep your plumbing system in good condition at all times, you must check it regularly.
If the water pressure is extremely high, it may cause your pipes to burst or leak. On the contrary, low water pressure could make it hard to get a great flow from your faucets. Therefore, it’s crucial to check your water pressure. To keep it at a safe level, installing a pressure-reducing valve may come in handy.
If you’re unsure about your water pressure issues, find the best plumbers in your community.
Know What Must Not Go Down Your Toilet
Some homeowners treat their toilets as trash cans. Doing this may result in expensive repairs and nasty clogs. Remember that the only thing that must go down your toilet is your toilet paper. Several things, such as feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, paper towels, and band-aids, must be disposed of directly in your trash bin.
All of these items may cause serious blockage in your pipes and result in costly repairs. Once it happens, you may need to call your plumber. Hence, if you’re about to flush items other than toilet paper, you better think twice. It’ll save you a call to a professional plumbing expert.
Wrapping Up
Taking care of your plumbing system is critical if you want to keep your property in good condition. Following the above mentioned essential plumbing tips can prevent major plumbing issues and keep your property’s plumbing system in tip-top shape for many years to come. Lastly, regardless of how you provide your plumbing system with proper care and maintenance, it’s always a great idea to hire a plumber to inspect it regularly to clear any signs of trouble.
