Plumbing is an integral part of a home that typically goes unnoticed. Many homeowners aren’t very familiar with the basics because of the complexities of familiarizing pipes, tanks, plumbing fixtures, valves, and other apparatuses.
But, what if you’re dealing with a dripping faucet, experiencing low water pressure, or having a clogged pipe? Do you always have to call a plumber for even the most minor plumbing issue?
As a homeowner, you must learn how to keep your plumbing systems in good working order for the sake of everybody’s health and quality of life.
One approach is to know the basics of plumbing. This way, you’ll know what causes pipes to burst, drain to clog, and many more plumbing issues.
You might even know how to fix them without the help of a plumber.
That said, here are some of the plumbing basics you must have knowledge of as a homeowner:
1. Understand What Goes Down Your Drain
Knowing what can and can’t go down your drain is among the plumbing fundamentals.
While many individuals treat their drain as a place to throw trash or debris, this can cause significant damage to your pipes. Use your drain as directed to avoid costly major repairs.
2. Don’t Neglect Leaks
Small leaks are common, but they’re frequently an indicator of a bigger problem. Learning how to repair a minor leak will save you a significant amount of time and money.
A fixture’s continuous drip, seep, and leak represents your money pouring down the pipes. As a result, it’s critical to know how to repair minor leaks before they become major and pricey problems.
Knowing where the primary shut-off valve is located is critical in the case of a water or gas leak. In the event of a plumbing emergency, it’ll help to limit the amount of water or gas that leaks out and protect your home from further harm.
3. Learn How To Avoid Frozen Pipes
Pipe insulation is essential for those living in cold regions. Burst pipes caused by internal ice pressure are a severe hazard that could necessitate expensive plumbing repairs.
To prevent frozen pipes, you may secure visible pipes with pipe sleeves, thermal tape, or other insulators, ensure constant flow using slow-drip faucets, circulate the heated air in cupboard doors, and empty water from lines.
4. Avoid Overtightening Fittings
It’s a classic DIY plumbing blunder to overtighten the pipes and fittings. If you tighten your fittings too much, they might leak, the bolts might break, or the screws might strip.
Most fittings include a rubber seal that can become deformed if overtightened. Water can readily leak through if this occurs. Remember the phrase ‘hand-tight is just alright.’
5. Avoid Using Strong Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners should be avoided. They can not only cause corrosion in your pipelines, but they can also endanger your family’s health.
To keep your drain clean without breaking the pipes, try running hot water through for thirty seconds each day to keep the pipes clear of clogs.
If a plunger doesn’t solve the problem, you should call a plumber.
6. Purchase A High-Quality Plunger
To eliminate blockages in toilets, drains, and sinks, use a high-quality plunger.
Many individuals assume that there’s only one sort of plunger, but the truth is there should be different plungers for every type of drainage in a house.
Three distinct plungers are needed for your toilet, sinks, and shower drain: one for each. Make certain that these plungers are never cross-contaminated.
7. Keep A Roll Of Plumber’s Tape On Hand
Plumber’s tape, also known as Teflon tape, is used to control leaks surrounding joints and valves by sealing pipe threads. The white tape is suitable for household plumbing operations, while the yellow tape is intended for gas line hookups.
When using it, wrap the plumber’s tape three to four times around the pipe threads.Â
8. Know What Can And Cannot Be Flushed Down The Toilet
Like your drain, it’s critical to understand what can and can’t be poured down your potty.
Flushing down wet wipes, cotton balls, napkins, and floss will just block the drain and necessitate expensive plumbing services.
Only human excrement and toilet paper should be flushed.
9. Schedule Regular Maintenance
It’s worthwhile to have expert inspections performed on your plumbing system on a regular basis.
Regular maintenance is a smart preventative technique that alerts you to underlying issues before they become severe.
The Bottom Line
If you have the means to pay a plumber for every plumbing issue by all means, do so.
However, if you want to save money and be self-sufficient, learn the basics of preventing common plumbing problems around the house.
With sufficient knowledge, you may be your own first line of defense for common plumbing difficulties.
Take heed of the plumbing basics mentioned above, and you’ll have trouble-free plumbing.
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