5 Essential Things Every Homeowner Should Know About Plumbing

While homeownership is something most people aspire to, it’s not always a bed of roses. It’s a big responsibility. Whether you have a big house, a small house, or something in between, owning a residence requires upkeep and maintenance. We believe your home is your castle and you’’ll want to keep it in good shape. With that said, keep on reading to see 5 things that all homeowners ought to know about plumbing.

1. Find Out Location of Your Water Main Shut-Off Valve

Find out where the water main shut-off valve is located in your home. During an emergency that requires shutting off the water supply, you’ll want to know the precise location. You don’t want to have to scramble around trying to find it during an emergency. 

While water shut-off valves are sturdy, they do need to be changed from time to time. Once you see signs of decay, contact a licensed plumber for service. 

2. Be Mindful About What Goes Down the Drains

Be careful about what you allow to go down the drains whether in your bathroom or kitchen. Throw out grease, food scraps, and coffee grounds. You can also place them in a garbage disposal unit or in the garbage. If you pour things like these down the drains, clogging can occur. You also need to be careful about what you flush down the toilet. You don’t want backups to occur in your plumbing system.

3. Get Things Hand-Tight 

While it’s best to leave plumbing jobs to the experts, there are some simpler tasks that you might be able to do on your own. These projects include changing a toilet or cleaning out sink traps. If you do take on such smaller jobs, ensure you don’t overtighten connections and fittings. Hand-tighten them until they’re snug. The last thing you’ll want is to damage screws, bolts, and pipes. When in doubt, contact a licensed plumber. Thankfully, finding trusted plumbing services in Idaho is easier than ever with many experienced companies offering quality services at affordable prices. You can ask about things like a toilet installation price if you don’t want to install it yourself.

4. Don’t Use Chemicals to Unclog Pipes and Drains 

Using chemicals can seem like an easy and effective way to clear drains and pipes. However, doing so is likely to cause more problems than it solves. A better option is to get a drain snake from a big box store or local hardware store to unclog pipes and drains. It’s effective and you won’t run the risk of causing any damage.

5. Fix Leaky Fixtures Without Delay 

Ensure you fix leaky fixtures right away. Failing to do so will lead to excessive water waste. Research shows that leaky faucets can waste as many as eight gallons of water daily. The problem can be worse if you have a constantly running toilet. It can waste 200 gallons of water daily. If you notice any issues, contact a licensed plumber right away to arrange a service call.

Remember These 5 Basic Plumbing Tips

If you keep in mind these 5 basic plumbing tips, you’ll be able to avoid many plumbing issues. But if you do run into any problems, ensure you contact a licensed plumber for assistance.