Plumbing problems can appear at the worst times, whether they are a blocked sink or a leaking faucet.
Although it might seem appealing to resolve the problem by yourself, you may end up making matters worse, especially if your training and experience are not sufficient.
However, there are some basic problems that can be solved without the help of a plumber. Here are some tips to help you tackle these problems at home.
10 Simple Plumbing Tips for Homeowners
Not all things are meant to be swept under the carpet
Although it may seem surprising to some, your toilet bowl is not intended to be used for garbage collection. To dispose of human waste or toilet paper, your “throne”, in your home, should be used. If you try to risk your toilet bowl’s “health”, you might end up with a very serious clog.
Take the time to find out which common household items should not go in the toilet. This will help you prevent future problems.
Be familiar with the Shut-Off Valve in Your Home
It doesn’t really matter if you live there for just a few days or twenty years. You need to know the location of your main shut-off valve. This is essential because you will need it in case the water runs dry.
Remember that not all main shut-off valves can be found inside your house. You may also not have an exclusive valve if your apartment is located in the house.
Garbage-free Drains
A nearby sink drain is another common plumbing feature that is frequently misused in many households. It may seem tempting to dump any garbage into the drain, but this can endanger your drain’s health.
Coffee grounds and vegetable shavings should not be thrown down the drain. This can lead to a very serious blockage. Even if your garbage disposal has been installed, you can still damage the device and cause a blockage by putting the wrong things down.
Avoid unintentionally rupturing pipes
Like you would call 811 before digging on your property, before renovating your house, make sure you check for any pipes behind walls, ceilings or floors. You can avoid a possible pipe puncture and prevent major plumbing disasters by doing so.
A professional Glendale, CA Plumber using an endoscopic camera can locate pipes in your house.
A Wet-Dry Vacuum can help
We’ve all been there. Your kitchen sink appears to have a clog, which can’t be fixed regardless of what you do. A wet-dry vacuum is a better choice than a chemical drain cleaner, which we don’t recommend.
This machine is also known as a shop vacuum. It can remove a severe blockage in no time and can be used to remove miscellaneous objects.
When in Doubt, Plunger Out
If the sink clog is still possible to remove, you can use a plunger.
When it comes to plungers you will want one that is flat-shaped for your sink and another that is bell-shaped for your toilet.
Repair Leaks Right Away
It doesn’t really matter how small the leak is, it’s crucial to have it fixed as soon as possible. They are not only annoying, but can also cause water to be wasted in your home. Leaking faucets can result in up to 8 gallons of water being wasted per day.
After Plumbing Projects, Check for Leaks
When you’re on the topic of leaks, it is important to make sure that your plumbing system is properly inspected after completion of any plumbing projects.
Run water through the plumbing system, regardless of whether you are doing a minor repair or installing a fixture.
Trust Plumber’s Tape
This tape, also known as Teflon Tape, can prevent leaks from fittings and joints. If you are tackling a plumbing job on your own, be sure to secure wrap the plumber’s tape (white tape to plumbing, yellow tape to gas lines) around threads to seal the deal.
Don’t over-tighten your belts.
Don’t over-tighten connections or fittings while you are securing them. This is a common issue in plumbing and can cause a lot of problems, including broken bolts, stripped screws, and other issues.