When it comes to owning a home, you’ll know all too well how many responsibilities it comes with. From making sure that your home is insulated right down to preventing pests from entering, it can almost feel like a full time job. When it comes to plumbing, there are many things that you need to keep on top of so that you don’t need to call a plumber. To help you out, we’re sharing our top tips so that you can keep your plumbing in top notch condition.
Know where your shut off valve is
There may be times where you need to shut your water off because of a leak or a burst pipe, so it’s important to know where your shut off valve is. The sooner you can shut off the water, the less damage you risk being done to your home. The shut off valve is usually near your water metre or where your main water line enters your home. Once you know where it is, make sure everyone in your home also knows in case of an emergency.
Watch what you put down the drain
One of the biggest issues we get called out for are clogged pipes, and most of the time it’s because the homeowner wasn’t careful with what they were putting down the drain. Remember that you should never flush anything that’s not biodegradable like wipes or sanitary products. You should also be careful not to wash down any food scraps or oil into your kitchen sink. A great way of avoiding this is by using a drain screen – they’re inexpensive and can save a call out.
Sodium hydroxide is your best friend
If your sinks or drains become clogged, a great way of freeing them up is by using sodium hydroxide, otherwise known as caustic soda. It’s a good idea to buy sodium hydroxide in bulk to make sure you always have some on hand. Remember that it is very corrosive, so you’ll need to make sure you wear the right protection and make sure that the sink or drain is thoroughly flushed afterwards, but it is fantastic for breaking down organic matter and clearing a blockage.
Regularly check for leaks
Checking your home regularly for signs of leaks is another top tip because it allows you to get the problem sorted before it turns into a bigger problem. Usually you’ll be able to fix small leaks by yourself with a bit of replacement piping, but remember that if you’re not sure you should always call a plumber.
Keep an eye on your water pressure
Lots of people struggle with their water pressure in the sense that it’s too low, so when they have high water pressure they think it’s a good thing. However, if your water pressure is too high it can cause leaks or even burst the pipe all together. Luckily, you can buy a water pressure gauge which is easy to fit and can prevent unnecessary costs.
Follow these tips and you’ll reduce the need to call out a plumber and be able to fix minor plumbing issues at cost!
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