We all use our plumbing every day. We probably don’t give too much thought to our faucets, toilets and showerheads unless there’s something wrong with them. This is understandable.
What if you could prevent plumbing problems before they happen? Learning how to maintain the plumbing in your home can do just that. You might be wondering, “What are some plumbing tips I need to know for my home?”
In this article, we’ll cover 10 plumbing tips that everyone needs to know for their home.
Know what can and can’t be flushed
A straightforward way to prevent toilet clogs is to avoid flushing non-flushable items. Baby wipes labeled as flushable shouldn’t be flushed down your toilet, as they can cause clogs. Don’t flush garbage, feminine products, paper towels, cotton swabs or dental floss either.
Address leaks promptly
If you notice any leaks in your faucets or showerheads, take care of them as soon as you can. Letting leaky faucets drip not only wastes water and costs money, but they could be indicative of larger plumbing problems as well. Whether the issue is water pressure or the fixture itself, call a plumber for help.
Monitor water pressure closely
You probably get your blood pressure taken nearly every time you go to the doctor—that’s because it’s important. Your plumbing’s water pressure is crucial as well, and you should treat it as such. You can pick up a water pressure gauge at your local hardware or home improvement store to check your home’s water pressure.
Know the location of your water main
At some point, you may have wondered, “What are some plumbing tips I need to know for my home?” The most critical tip is knowing where your home’s water main is and how to shut it off. It’s usually in the basement next to the water heater and has a wheel or a lever that allows you to stop the flow of water into your home.
Don’t overtighten
If you decide to perform some DIY plumbing repairs and you’re wrenching on your pipes, make sure you don’t overtighten any fittings or connections, as this can strip or damage them.
Care for your garbage disposal
Like your toilet, you shouldn’t just put everything down your garbage disposal. Don’t put grease, starchy foods, coffee grounds or vegetable peelings down your garbage disposal, as these items may clog it.
Replace your old water heater
If your water heater is 10 years old or more, you should consider replacing it and its accompanying pump.
Use a plunger for clogs
You can buy two different plungers of different shapes and sizes to work on sink and toilet clogs. Toilet plungers have a small rubber flange inside their cup designed to fit over the toilet drain.
Use plumber’s tape
Those who know how to maintain plumbing in their home use plumber’s tape around fittings and joints to prevent leaks.
Get yearly inspections
Calling a plumber to check your home’s plumbing every year can help mitigate smaller problems and prevent them from becoming larger issues.
Call for plumbing services today
Now that you know some plumbing tips for your home, call us at homepros. We’re premier licensed general contractors, and we can help you keep your home’s plumbing in fine working order.