These are the essential plumbing tips you need to know as a homeowner.
Learn more about your water main
The water main is the first point of water entering your home. It is usually located in the basement, near the water heater. A shutoff valve, either a lever or a wheel, will be located on the main water supply. When you close the valve, it will stop water from entering your home. City Supply, a plumbing supply distributor with more than 60 years experience, houston plumbing supplies is one of the oldest in the country. Since 1946, when it opened its first Houston store, City Supply has been a trusted supplier to plumbing professionals, schools districts, government institutions, and corporations.
Shutting off the water main will be your first step if you are ever faced with a large plumbing project or have a situation such as a leak or burst pipe.
Learn how to clear clogged drains
You will eventually have a clogged drainage. Our hair tends to fall out when we shower, and this can lead to a buildup over time. If you are faced with a clog, your first instinct might be to use one the liquid drain cleaners. Big mistake.
You should avoid liquid drain cleaners like a plague. It seems simple to fix an annoying problem. However, the chemicals in Liquid Plumber or similar products could cause damage to your plumbing infrastructure. Get a snake to pull any obstructions from your pipes if your tub or sink keeps backing up.
Pay attention to your water pressure
It is an essential part of a well-functioning plumbing system. As we all have our blood pressure checked every time we go to the doctor, we should also be checking our home’s water pressure. A simple pressure gauge can be purchased at most hardware and home improvement stores.
A working pressure reducing valve is required
You will need to lower your water pressure if you have high water pressure. This can be done by replacing or installing your pressure reducing valve (PRV). If you live in a home that depends on municipal water supply, PRV’s should be installed. Because municipal water companies must pump water at high pressures in order to supply high-rise buildings, fire hydrants and high-elevation homes, as well as high-rise buildings. Your home and all of your plumbing fixtures are designed to handle pressures between 50-60 PSI.
Take good care of your toilet
Start by only flushing your personal waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Clogs can be caused by cotton swabs and baby wipes as well as paper towels. You should get a plunger if you don’t have one. We all eventually get clogged pipes.
Also, make sure that your toilet works properly. Running toilets are a sign that the toilet tank is in need of replacement. Sometimes, toilet leaks are so small that they don’t make any sound. These invisible leaks can be detected by placing food coloring into the toilet tank. Check the water level in the toilet bowl after about 30 minutes. You can tell if there is any color in the water.
Respect your garbage disposal
Although garbage disposals can be a great tool to have in your house, they are not able to handle all the tasks. Avoid putting fats, oils, or grease down your drain. They will harden when they cool and could cause blockages in your pipes.
Let some cold water go down the drain before you run your garbage disposal. After that, wait for five to ten seconds. Then, continue running cold water for a few more seconds. To keep your garbage disposal’s blades sharp, you can put some ice cubes into it periodically.
You should clean your gutters as often and as often as possible
Although gutters don’t actually belong to your plumbing system they are essential for keeping water out your home. Clogged gutters can cause water to pool on the roof, which could lead to structural damage and ultimately letting water in. Water damage is something homeowners want to avoid. They should be cleaned at the very least in spring and summer. You should plan to have them cleaned more often if you have many pine trees on your property (which can shed like mad).
When to replace your water heater
Water heaters are designed to last for a certain amount of time. It’s time to replace your water heater if it is reaching the double-digits. You don’t want procrastinating in this area. The water heater tank holds 50 gallons of water. This is enough water to cause serious damage if the tank bursts. You should also replace your sump pump if you have to replace your water heater.
