leaky pipes

Having a home is one of the most rewarding things, but it becomes a frustrating experience when plumbing problems occur. The more you know the better, since that can save time and money — not to mention keep your little few strands of hair in. Plumbing can seem like a complicated system, and rightly so Read more

Having a home is one of the most rewarding things, but it becomes a frustrating experience when plumbing problems occur. The more you know the better, since that can save time and money — not to mention keep your little few strands of hair in.

Plumbing can seem like a complicated system, and rightly so as we never see the full scope of piping behind our walls. However, learning some basics helps prevent big problems from popping up out of nowhere while also being able to address smaller issues independently.

Here are 10 Important Plumbing Tips Every Homeowner Should Know:

  1. Know the Location of Your Water Meter and Main Shut Off Valve

Location of shut-off One of the most important details that any homeowner needs to know is where your manual main water turn-off valve is. A burst pipe can occur unexpectedly, and shutting off the water supply fast is vital to reducing damage in your home.

  1. Understand How Your Water Heater Works

The best setting for most water heaters is 120°F or roughly the Low-Medium setting on gas. This temperature can keep scalding at bay while still offering energy-efficient heat from your unit. Periodically monitor the temperature of your water heater, and flush it annually to eliminate accumulation sediment for efficiency purposes and extended lifespan.

  1. Don’t Treat Your Drains Like a Trash Can

Do not flush anything other than toilet paper and human waste. Specifically, wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products should not make it into your pipes as they cause sewer backups. In addition, never pour grease on the drain of your kitchen because it hardens and adheres to piping creating very serious blockages.

  1. Use Drain Strainers

Placing strainers in your kitchen and bathroom sinks will block hair, food particles, and other debris from entering the drain- as prevention is key. It is essential to routinely clean these filters for optimal water flow.

  1. Fix Leaks Promptly

But a slow drip could waste gallons of water from your pipes over weeks or months, and it can make your utility bills grow. The leaks can also cause water damage and mold. Repair a leaking faucet or pipe quickly and call in expert help if you need it.

  1. Know the Signs of Hard Water

Mineral buildup can cause clogging in your pipes, reduce the efficiency of water heaters, and damage appliances if you live in a hard water area. Hard Water Hard water will leave soap scum on shower doors, no shine to dishes, and dry skin. ~ via Dmarie1031 A water softener can help you avoid the buildup of mineral deposits, which gives them a longer shelf life.

  1. How To Safely Unclog a Toilet

Most people will find a plunger useful when clearing a blocked toilet. When using a plunger, fill the bowl with enough water to cover its rubber part and apply moderate pressure in an even push-pull motion. If this doesn’t solve the problem, avoid using chemical drain cleaners as they can harm your pipes; choose a snake or call in a plumber when needed.

  1. Check Exposed Pipes for Wear

If you have any exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, or under sinks check them for preliminary signs of corrosion around leaks. Check on them periodically and if you notice any rusting, cracking, or leaking chances are high that an issue is about to develop indefinitely- Fix it right away! Dealing with these problems early on can help prevent significant water damage.

  1. Insulate Pipes in Cold Weather

In cold climates, it is important to insulate your pipes to prevent freezing and bursting during winter. Cover exposed pipes in areas like basements, attics, and garages with foam pipe insulation. Additionally, in extremely cold weather, you may want to keep faucets dripping slowly to maintain water flow and minimize the risk of freezing.

  1. Know When to Call a Professional

Knowing when to seek professional help is crucial in plumbing situations. While some issues can be resolved independently, others require the expertise of a licensed plumber. If you encounter recurring clogs, or water heater malfunctions, or suspect a main sewer line blockage, it is advisable to contact a professional.(no follow link) Attempting complicated repairs without adequate knowledge can exacerbate problems and result in higher costs.

As we bid goodbye to the fall season and prepare to welcome winter, we shouldn’t only be focusing on upgrading our wardrobe, but the focus should be on prepping our homes for the winter to avoid any upcoming maintenance challenges. The best way to do so is by prepping our homes in advance so that Read more

As we bid goodbye to the fall season and prepare to welcome winter, we shouldn’t only be focusing on upgrading our wardrobe, but the focus should be on prepping our homes for the winter to avoid any upcoming maintenance challenges. The best way to do so is by prepping our homes in advance so that we can stay comfy during the cold winter.

Here are some common maintenance challenges that might occur during the cold season. Read on to learn more.

Leaky Roofs

Did you know that the tiny gaps between the roofing sheets can culminate into bigger problems since the cold and freezing climate induces extension and contraction of the material? The good news is that you can prevent the formation of ice dams by prepping in time and ensuring that there are no crevices in the attic which might potentially cause the escape of hot air.

If you cannot find any gaps, you can also ask a professional to help you with the inspection and ensure that everything is sealed. You can prevent gaps by assessing the roof or attic during the winter season. Keep your eyes open for loose shingles, missing nails, and disrupted caulk.

By regularly cleaning the gutters and breaking up frozen water on the roof, you can prevent the build-up of ice dams. If you cannot do it yourself, you might want to call in a plumber or a handyman to assist you with the needful.

Chimney Issues

As the exterior temperature starts to drop, the struggle on the inside focuses on getting the chimney going, which can also lead to the build-up of creosote. Usually, the build-up of tar is caused by the accumulation of vapor, minerals, wooden particles, and gases, and these elements fly up the chimney while leaving the burning furnace.

If you ignore your chimney and the build-up of creosote, your house is at the risk of catching fire since the creosote is extremely flammable. That said, before the arrival of winter, you ought to examine the exterior of the chimney and look out for any cracks and discoloration.

Also, call in a professional and get your chimney inspected before burning the furnace. By doing so, you can save your house from the risk of getting destroyed in the case of any sparking fire.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

While we recommend this guide on how to bleed a radiator, you should also pay attention to the poorly insulated spaces of your house where the pipes always run the risk of freezing. Frozen pipes are amongst the top reasons that countless homes endure extensive damage. Frozen pipes can burst and severely damage walls, roofs, floors, and furniture.

If you want to prevent frozen pipes, we recommend keeping the heater on, even when you are not at home. However, it is also recommended to insulate the pipes, especially in the colder regions of your house, such as the cellar. Keep the cabinet doors closed and ensure the taps are turned off whenever you step out of the house.

Beware the Mold

Another common winter challenge connected with home maintenance is the growth of mold, especially in the bathroom vents and the outside walls. If you have a laundry room, you might want to check it for mold growth too. To prevent mold, you can remove the carpets from those rooms and areas that are susceptible to humidity and getting wet. Before the winter season kicks in, you ought to have your house thoroughly inspected for the growth of mold. Also, use a dehumidifier to get rid of the damp and humidity.