5 Plumbing Tips a Homeowner Needs to Know

Having a roof over your head is one of the biggest sources of joy and fulfillment. Especially if you own it fully, it’s a huge source of pride, a huge investment that requires being given the utmost care. This means keeping it well maintained and ensuring that all systems and appliances stay in good working condition always. But this is not always the case, is it? Well, taking proper care of the home’s plumbing system is one of the biggest responsibilities a homeowner can have. This is because the slightest neglect can easily lead to huge financial losses in terms of service repairs, not forgetting dangers like flooding and water damage.

Additionally, problems such as clogged drains, smelly sinks, leaking faucets, and burst pipes can be overly frustrating to the homeowner. They can wreak havoc and distort you and your family’s lives in more than a few ways. Also, having some basic knowledge of detecting and solving certain plumbing problems before they escalate into major ones can be an amazing way to protect one of your biggest investments and save money. 

Here are 5 plumbing tips a homeowner needs to know.

1. Know When to Call a Professional

While some plumbing issues can be quickly fixed DIY, some may require a professional plumber’s immediate attention. This is because if you’re not well-versed with plumbing, you might make the problem worse by attempting to fix it on your own, potentially subjecting your family to certain risks and discomforts. According to Raphael from https://allserviceplumbers.com/, a clogged drain or problematic sewer line is a high-risk health threat to you and your family if left unchecked. A problematic water heater may also pose an electrocution risk to the family, not to mention the agony the family could face going without hot water for just a few days. It’s always important to call a professional plumber as fast as you can, especially for plumbing emergencies such as flooding or severe issues not within your ability to address.

2. Never Ignore Leaks

Plumbing leaks are a common problem faced by homeowners from time to time. It could be a dripping sink faucet or a leaking bathtub, which may appear simple at first. However, these leaks often end up skyrocketing your water bill if not result in costly repairs. Whenever you notice a leak that doesn’t resolve by tightening your plumbing fittings, be sure to speak with a plumbing expert right away.

3. Watch What You Flush Down the Drains and Toilets

Sink drains, bathroom drains, and toilets are common victims of clogging. Well, the last thing you want is a clogged toilet, bathroom, or kitchen sink, so its important to watch what you send down the drain. Things such as coffee grounds, eggshells, sanitary towels, cotton, fabric items, and, obviously, plastic things like condoms can spell disaster to your home’s comfort when sent down drains or toilets. Most importantly, your toilet is not your trash can. To keep your home’s plumbing system in good shape, logic and common judgment could be all you need to know what to and what not to flush down the drain.

4. Have A Plunger For Your Kitchen, Bath, and Toilet

Well, with time, drains tend to accumulate debris, making them slower in draining water from sinks, bathroom drains, and toilet bowls. If left to sit there, it could easily turn into a breeding zone for germs, not forgetting the discomfort the awful odors could cause in your home. While protecting your drains as discussed above, you may also want to have a drain plunger handy for when the unexpected happens. This utility can help suck out debris and water using suction, thus unclogging your drain. However, it’s normally advisable to call a plumber if your plunger doesn’t work. 

5. Know Your Shut Valve

Gas or water leaks can quickly turn into a nightmare or disaster. Whenever you notice or suspect a leak, the first crucial step to take is to shut off the main supply line. This makes it important for homeowners to know the exact location of their gas or water line shut off valve.

Now, while some people are blessed at getting their hands dirty, handling plumbing repairs is not everyone’s regular cup of tea. To avoid some of the most common plumbing problems, the best homeowners can do is observe proper care and maintenance of their plumbing systems as outlined above. Whenever installing a new plumbing fixture or fitting, be sure to work with an experienced and well-reputed plumbing specialist. The same case applies when it comes to plumbing repairs.