Top Home Plumbings Tips Coming From A Frisco Plumber
Having the skills to assess and fix plumbing problems will save you money on costly repairs and prevent minor problems from getting worse.
14/09/2019
Whether you're dealing with a clogged drain, low water pressure, a dripping faucet, or a clogged pipe, it's important to have basic knowledge about home plumbing. Having the necessary skills to assess and fix plumbing problems will save you money on costly repairs and prevent minor problems from getting worse while waiting for a professional plumber.
In this post, you'll learn the top plumbing tips you can do at home in case you face plumbing problems. In that way, you'll be guided on the right plumbing troubleshooting methods and be self-sufficient to address simple and potentially major plumbing issues.
Never Ignore Leaks
Dealing with a leaky faucet can be money-wasting because a steady drip means higher utility bills. Always keep in mind that a leaky faucet wastes about eight gallons of water every day and a running toilet wastes about 200 gallons of water per day, both of which cause skyrocketing water bills. This is why it's important to fix small leaks before they become big and cause even bigger problems.
Know the Right Location of Your Water Shut-Off Valves
Before you move into your new home, it will be a wise decision to locate the main water drain and shut-off valve. In some houses, the shut-off valve is located outdoors. Also, you should know the location of the sewer line access points. By doing so, you'll know where to find them when performing periodic cleanouts.
If you live in a condo or apartment, you may not find your own dedicated shut-off valves because they are commonly shared by all tenants. It is best to contact your landlord to find out the location and policy covering plumbing issues. Most rental properties hire a professional plumber to ensure any plumbing problem is properly resolved, thus avoiding expensive repairs and plumbing fixture replacements.
Invest in the Best Plunger
You can clear a sink, toilet, and clogged drain by using and investing in a high-quality plunger. If you want to clean your sink traps, it's better to use a plunger to push the water out before you remove the trap. By doing so, the task will be less messy and wet.
Don't Drill or Puncture Pipes
If you're planning to pound nails or drill holes into your floors, ceiling, or walls, think twice. Never puncture or drill holes unless you're sure of what you're doing. You don't want to puncture your drainage pipes or any water supply source behind the work area.
A stud finder can help you locate pipes behind the walls, and this tool can come in handy and is inexpensive. Alternatively, investing in an endoscopic camera is also a good idea that you can snake into the walls. If you're not confident and a hundred percent sure if there's any supply that might get damaged, call a professional plumber for help.
Know What Can Be Flushed
Don't use your toilet as a waste bin or trash can. Even toilet paper and "flushable" baby wipes can lead to nasty clogs. Don't use your toilet to flush food particles from your kitchen, too, because they can also cause clogging. Also, educate your little ones to avoid putting or flushing objects, like toys in the toilet because these things may get stuck and would warrant expensive toilet repair or even possible replacement.
Never dump vegetable peelings, food debris, coffee grounds, bacon grease, or starchy foods such as potatoes or rice down your kitchen drain either. These items can clog your water pipes. By reading the manufacturer's manual, you’ll learn proper garbage disposal and what the unit can accommodate or handle.
Suck Objects Out Using a Wet-Dry Vacuum
You can unclog a sink with a vacuum. Use a wet-dry vacuum to dislodge a clog brought about by small and hard objects like a comb, toothbrush, or a child's toy. This plumbing tool is more effective in sucking these objects out. Using a plunger will only push the object deeper, which makes it more difficult to remove.
Learn How to Use a Plumber's Tape
A plumber's tape or Teflon tape is used in sealing pipe threads, preventing leaks around fittings and joints. Before sealing, wrap the plumber's tape thrice around the water pipe threads. White tape is specifically designed for other household plumbing projects, and yellow tape is used for household gas line connections.
Don't Over-Tighten Fittings
Over-tightening water connections and fittings is a common do-it-yourself plumbing mistake. It can lead to stripped screws and broken bolts. Hand-tightening your fittings is enough to avoid further damage.
Conclusion
By
keeping yourself abreast with the
above-mentioned plumbing tips, you'll be able to
assess and address minor plumbing issues. A
leaky faucet, running or clogged toilet, clogged
kitchen sink, or any seemingly minor plumbing
issue should not be neglected to avoid paying
for costly utility bills. If you're unsure of
the next steps, never compromise the integrity
and safety of your plumbing system; contact a
professional plumber immediately.