Tips to Maintaining your Home’s Plumbing System
The history of plumbing started as early as the Roman times. However, we can thank technology for today’s modern and more advanced plumbing systems. Now we can all enjoy a good supply of hot and cold water on our demand without having to go through a lot of effort. Basically, the plumbing principle revolves around pressure and valves. Both sound very simple and easy to deal with, but everybody knows what a household can be when any or both of these start acting up.
Not many homeowners are keen on spotting plumbing problems especially when the issue is still minor. If you would like to be among the smart homeowners that immediately detect and respond to minor plumbing issues before the problem blows up to be a major one, here are some helpful tips to guide you.
Be alert. Plumbing problems can range from a very small leak to a huge flooding problem. The key is to keep an eye out for any signs of plumbing problems no matter how minute the issue may seem. A leaking faucet or slow-draining sinks are plumbing problems that require immediate attention.
Fix problems as early as possible. You may find a leaking faucet not so much of a big deal and try to procrastinate on a resolution just because you don’t see it as a major problem. Unfortunately, leaking faucets encourage moisture and can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Before that happens, it is always important that you get the leak addressed the soonest time possible to avert other problems that may stem out of that simple leak.
Know your plumbing system. When plumbing troubles occur, it is vital that you know how your plumbing system is set up, where the valves are located, and where your plumbing tools are. There is nothing more frustrating than dealing with flooding and wondering where your plumbing tools might be. When you know your system and everything is in place, it becomes easier to deal with a plumbing problem no matter how disastrous the issue may be.
Know where the sewer valve is located. As a responsible homeowner, it is also best to know where the main sewer valve is located. This comes in handy when you have overflowing toilets and you don’t want to spend a lot of money just for a plumber to locate the sewer valve.
Learn how to tackle minor plumbing emergencies. Not everyone can pay for a pricey plumbing job every single time that a plumbing emergency arises. Get yourself equipped with the right knowledge and tools to handle basic and minor plumbing issues. Knowing how to work an auger or a plunger or other basic plumbing tools will help you take care of small issues such as clogged sink, leaking faucets, and others. You may refer to some DIY plumbing ideas online or get some how-to-books from your local home improvement stores to help you out.
Avoid frozen pipe problems. In areas with harsh winter days, frozen pipes can be an issue. Before this happens, it is always important that you check for proper insulation of your pipes. If you have exposed pipes, make sure you apply the needed insulators before winter begins so you can avoid any sort of plumbing disaster when the cold season hits.
If the pipes are already frozen, immediately turn off the water supply to your home to avoid further damage. Never attempt to heat a pipe directly using an open flame as you might just cause bigger problems. Don’t panic. But if you’re unable to contain the problem, it is best to contact your local plumber to get it resolved.
Remember these plumbing maintenance tips and do not forget to act quickly on the issue regardless of how small or major the plumbing problem is.