Home Plumbing Tips to Keep Your Head Above Water
The plumbing system in your home makes it possible to perform many of your most essential tasks each day. While people tend to take indoor plumbing for granted, the truth is that all it takes is a single day of plumbing troubles to remember just how vital it is to your home’s wellbeing. In addition to being inconvenient, many common plumbing issues can also lead to serious water damage that lowers your home’s value. Using these home plumbing tips will help you ensure that the water flows smoothly and stays in the pipes where it belongs.
Practice Proper Drain Care
Many people accidentally cause plumbing problems by putting things down the drain that don’t belong there. Feminine hygiene products and baby wipes are two common culprits for clogged toilets and sewer lines. In your kitchen, you’ll also want to avoid putting things such as grease down the sink. If you live with other people, teaching them what to avoid putting down the drain can save you from a major catastrophe.
Learn How to Handle Plumbing Emergencies
Few things are more stressful than watching gallons of water come flowing out of a cracked pipe. Or, you might have just pulled the handle to your faucet off. Plumbing emergencies can happen anytime, and you’ll need to act fast to reduce the risk of water damage. Make sure that you know how to access the shut-off valves as well as whom you should call when a significant issue arises. For instance, professionals like Spartan Plumbing and Services can handle major and minor repair work no matter the time of day. Always be sure to have a plumber’s number on hold in case you run into unexpected emergencies.
Check Outside for Leaks
People often check indoor plumbing fixtures and stay alert for signs of leaks behind the walls. However, it is common to overlook one of the most likely areas to discover a leak. The plumbing lines from your home also run beneath the ground and to the street where it meets up with the public water supply. A leak in this area could cause soggy patches in your lawn along with grass that is greener than the rest since it is receiving a constant water source.
Arrange for New Home Inspections
The excitement of finding the perfect home and trying to put an offer in before other buyers can sometimes lead to costly mistakes. While you might be eager to get into your house fast, you also don’t want to skip a critical plumbing inspection. During a new home inspection, a licensed plumber will check the supply lines and drains along with the water heater. If a problem is found, they’ll provide you with an estimate of what the repairs should cost so that you can move forward with making an informed decision on the home.
The majority of plumbing problems start out slow and get worse over time. Making sure to address those little drips now can help you to avoid dealing with major water damage later. As you plan for plumbing maintenance around your home, remember that aging pipes can also create problems. Keeping the system updated and the pipes free of obstructions helps you to feel confident that your home is safe from major water damage.
*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.
