What may seem like a minor leak now can quickly become a major problem later. Knowing how to shut off the water supply and taking preventative measures can help you avoid plumbing disasters. Installing mosquito nets over shower and bath drains, and regularly removing hair from the drain, can help keep clogs from forming. Scraping food into the trash before washing dishes, even if you have a garbage disposal, and never pouring liquid grease down the drain are also important steps to take.
To prevent flooding in case of plumbing issues, it is essential to locate the main water valve, which is usually situated on the lowest level of your home near the street. Test the valve to make sure it closes properly. In most cases, cleaning out the clog will restore drains or toilets to normal with a little DIY work or a visit from a plumber. Taking care of your home's plumbing can also reduce energy bills, conserve water, and prevent an unexpected high water bill due to an emergency.
If you plan to be away from home for an extended period of time, it's wise to close the main water valve before leaving to avoid plumbing problems when you return. However, paying attention to pipes on a regular basis can extend their life, prevent leaks, and save you from costly repairs. Adding pipe insulation to pipes in cold areas of your home such as garages, basements, and mezzanines can help prevent pipes from freezing and reduce wait time for hot water. Common plumbing problems in older homes often involve low water pressure, but this issue can also occur in newer homes. If you suspect a leak, test your theory by pouring food coloring into the toilet tank and waiting overnight. A common mistake people make when dealing with plumbing is using chemicals to clean out drains.
These chemicals can have a serious impact on galvanized pipes and cause corrosion over time. Doing your own plumbing repairs can save money, but one wrong move could cost you more and cause damage to your home. With the right knowledge about plumbing problems and appliances involved, preventing plumbing problems is easy. You can find professional plumbing services and home maintenance assistants in your area on sites like Thumbtack and TaskRabbit. If your water is high in minerals (known as hard water), it can shorten the life of your pipes.
As your house ages, it's natural for some plumbing problems to arise such as leaking faucets or slow drains. To avoid this issue, check hoses regularly for cracks or blisters and be sure to close the water supply valves to the washing machine before leaving home for an extended period of time. Grease and cooking oil can clog kitchen sink pipes and cause serious plumbing problems.
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