There will always be value in knowing a few basic plumbing tips to help save you money. Whether you are a long-time homeowner or you just moved into your first home, there are a few things to consider to save time and money and of course, avoid unnecessary stress so you can enjoy your home.
1. Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is
Plumbing issues can show up out of nowhere and it does not mean anything you did was wrong. The old saying, “expect the unexpected”, applies in plumbing too! Sometimes things just happen and what matters most is getting to the root of the issue and taking action to rectify the problem.
Imagine a scenario where you wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, only to find the floor flooded with water. What do you do?
For a lot of people, panic sets in with confusion as they race to call an emergency plumber while the water is still possibly flowing. This is completely understandable and relatable. However, the first step is to take a second, think of where your water shut-off valve is, and shut the water off to prevent further damage.
Everyone should know where your main water shut-off valve is. This is the valve that controls the water in your home. For some homes, it is located near the water meter, and for others, it may be in the basement. Find out where your issue is so you can locate it quickly in case of an emergency such as a flood or pipe break.
2. Be Mindful of What Goes Down Your Drains
Having a clogged drain is one of the most common issues in plumbing. They often happen unnoticed and with bigger households, it is important to communicate good plumbing maintenance with what goes down your drains with everyone in the household.
This is where we can be a bit more mindful with our drains, especially kitchen and bathrooms. Here are a few quick tips to share with those in your household:
Kitchen: Always avoid pouring grease or food scraps down the kitchen sink drain. Even with good pipes, grease and food scraps can solidify in your pipes and cause blockages.
Bathroom: In the bathroom, we all have had experience with hair and soap, and general buildup. Use a drain cover to catch hair before it goes down the drain and clean in and around the sink drains regularly.
Extra Tip: If you notice your sink is draining slowly, there are many home remedy fixes or store-bought cleaners to look into. Of course, when in doubt, give your plumbing professional a call.
3. Fix Leaky Faucets
A dripping faucet might seem like a minor issue but very often it is one of the signs that foretell of an underlying issue or at least, it can be a sign to improve your household plumbing maintenance.
Drips and leaks waste water and can lead to an unforeseen increase in the water bill. Simply, take the smallest drip seriously and look into what might be causing this problem.
Extra Tip: When you can, give a quick fix to a leaky faucet by turning off the water supply. Take a peek at the faucet parts for evidence of wear and tear. If you find something, replace that part and hopefully, that will help mend the issue without further assistance or cost.
4. Install Water-Saving Fixtures
Another good tip to help conserve water in your home is installing water-saving fixtures. It is a simple way to reduce bills but also adds to whatever your personal aesthetic is as well.
There are a few choices to consider when doing this:
Showerheads and Faucets: Pick low-flow showerheads and faucets when you want to use less water while maintaining good water pressure.
Toilets: There are also low-flow toilets that use less water per flush. Some models do have gallon sizes and may be a quiet flush as well, so keep that in mind when shopping for a new toilet.
Extra Tip: If you’re not ready to replace your fixtures, there are still things you can do to help your reduce water usage in your home. An easy quick tip would be installing aerators on your faucets. The aerators mix air with water, reducing the flow without affecting the water pressure in your home.
5. Insulate Your Pipes
Some homeowners live in places with colder climates. If this is you, then you may want to consider insulating your pipes better if they are not already insulated.
A frozen pipe is also a common but unfortunate culprit of water damage in a home. One burst or cracked pipe can be extensive in cost and overall affect the safety of your home plumbing.
There are a few things to inspect if you are unsure of your colder weather pipe situation:
•Check pipes in areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages.
•Check hot water pipes that retain heat and reduce the energy so that you are sure they look and function as they should.
Extra Tip: If you are in need of a quick reassurance while double-checking those pipes, a little extra pipe insulation goes a long way. This is an inexpensive treatment with or without good pipes to ensure longevity and efficiency through those cold months.
6. Water Pressure Issues
Don’t ignore water pressure issues. As stated before, the smallest issue can turn into a bigger problem so it is best to have anything you are unsure of checked by a plumbing professional.
Water pressure causes a lot of strain on your pipes. Check with other members of your household to see if anyone else notices issues like this just for good measure.
Extra Tip: You can check your water pressure with a pressure gauge. Not everyone has one of these handy tools, but as you would check the pressure of your car tires, it is a good idea to check the pressure of your water as well.
7. Know When to Call a Professional
Possibly the most important tip is to know when you need a professional to help. It is great to be handy in your house but sometimes it is best to either get a second opinion as well as get the peace of mind that a repair was done correctly.
Call a plumber when:
•You notice persistent leaks that you can’t fix.
•If you see slow drains that occur often.
•If you notice sewer line problems or backups.
•You notice any signs that simply does not feel or look right. Always trust your gut and give your plumber a call.
Conclusion
Owning a home comes with its fair share of responsibilities, and plumbing is one area where you do not want to neglect your home. Our home is just like our bodies. We need nourishment and care and we need good hygiene and plumbing hygiene is crucial.
DIY can be fun and useful but always know when it is best to leave the plumbing care to an expert. When you do, The Plumbing Doctor® is here to help!