Simple Plumbing Tips To Know - Blue Ribbon Plumbing

If you are familiar with the basics of plumbing, many problems can be avoided. These are 11 essential plumbing tips every homeowner should know.

10% of homes leak more than 90 gallons per day.

Many homeowners don’t know much about how to fix common household plumbing problems. If you’re familiar with the basics, minor leaks, and clogs are easy to fix. Sometimes you don’t need to call a plumber.

Learn how to save money on plumbing repairs and conserve water.

1. Learn What You Can Flush

Some things should not be flushed down your drain. Avoid fats and oils as they can cool down the pipes and cause blockages. Flushable wipes may not be as flushable as they claim and could cause serious problems for your pipes.

Throw it away if you are unsure. Do not flush it.

2. Find out the location of the Shut-off Valve

You need to be able to turn off the water supply to your property in an emergency. You can quickly suffer significant property damage from a sudden leakage or burst tap.

Find out where to find the right location to quickly shut off the water. Shutoff valves can be found under sinks and in the basement. Find out how your plumbing works and locate the valve.

3. Know Your Plunger Types

There are many types of plungers. Next time you purchase one, be sure to look closely. There are three types of plungers: one for sinks and one for toilets.

Flat-bottomed standard plungers are used to fix clogs in sinks. The flange plunger is designed to fit into pipes and should only be used in a bathroom. The accordion plunger, which is an enhanced version of the flange plunger, is used to clear major blockages.

4. Get rid of all traces of food and waste!

Leakage can be caused by not cleaning your gutters regularly. Blockage of gutters can cause water to back up, which can lead to leaks and overflowing onto your roof or ceilings.

These mold problems can cause serious health issues for your respiratory system. Your ceiling will eventually be damaged by the leaks and will need to be replaced.

To avoid problems, make sure you clean your gutters often.

5. Protect your pipes

If they are too cold, water pipes can burst in winter. If pipes freeze, it can harm properties that aren’t used in winter like summer rentals. Inspecting your pipes and adding lagging to any lines at risk is essential.

The water in pipes can expand and freeze during cold weather, causing the pipe to burst. The water will then flow freely through the property, causing significant damage.

Make sure to check your pipes often and cover any exposed pipes at risk of freezing.

6. Learn How to Clear a Clog

Sinks, drains, and toilets can sometimes become clogged. This is the most common problem in plumbing. Many can be easily removed with the right tools and knowledge.

Try a drain cleaner that you can purchase at your local store. If left for a few hours, these can clear most blockages. If they don’t, it is time for you to get a plunger.

The plungers will cause a vacuum inside the pipe, gradually pushing the blockage up again. This will allow water to flow through the pipe and eventually carry it.

You should not plunge too hard, as this could cause damage to the pipes.

7. Use Plumber’s Tape

Plumbers tape can be used to fix a leaking faucet or a drip from your pipe fittings. The magic tape, which is sticky and waterproof, will attach to the pipe fitting sealing the leak.

This is usually temporary, and you should consult a professional plumber if the water does not stop.

8. Never ignore a leak

Leaks can be a sign of a problem in your plumbing system. Leaks should not be ignored as they may indicate a larger problem.

While you may be able temporarily to stop leaks using tape and tools, if the leak persists, you should call a plumber to inspect the system. You may not be able to see the problem, but there could be something worse.

9. Make sure you check the pressure valve

The hot water heater could be at fault if your hot water suddenly stops flowing from your home. This is often due to a loss in pressure. Find your heater and inspect the pressure valve.

An indication of a leak in your system is a loss in pressure. You should know how to flush your heater. If that doesn’t solve the problem, then it is time for a plumber to come in.

10. Avoid Over Tightening

Pipe fittings can become loosening over time, and may need to be tightened. Inexperienced plumbers often overtighten joints. Overtightening the joints can cause joint damage and even lead to its weakness over time.

The joints should fit snugly, but not too tight.