Plumbing Projects: Tips for Getting Them Done Right
Have you ever believed you couldn’t tackle a plumbing issue on your own? You didn’t even notice the problem? Were you concerned about what might happen if you tinkered with things you didn’t comprehend at the time? Continue reading to learn how to solve plumbing problems with more confidence the next time something goes wrong.
When you turn off the main valve before leaving your home for an extended period of time, it’s a good opportunity to inspect your plumbing shut-off valves on sinks and toilets. You may double-check that they’re all in good working order and that none of them are leaking, so you won’t have any issues when you go back.
Make sure you’re aware of the location of the water shutoff valve in your home. You never know when a broken pipe or a faulty connection can arise, requiring you to cut off the water as soon as possible. Before you start any plumbing installation, it’s also important to know where the shutoff is, in case something goes wrong.
Install screen traps or drain covers on all of your sinks and tub drains. Most home plumbing calls are about clogged pipes. These can be caused by debris, especially hair, washing down the drains. Putting in a trap means that you can clean this debris off before it ends up in the pipes.
If a pipe ever freezes, you need to make sure to shut off the water. This will keep the pipe from bursting and causing major damage to your home. Make sure to shut the water off at the main valve, and then open the faucet that is closest to the frozen pipe so it can drain while it is thawing out.
One of the things that you can do to safeguard your home from any serious plumbing issues is to install a flood alarm. This is a device that will sound when it comes in contact with water, alerting you if there are any issues in a particular area in the house.
One of the most inexpensive plumbing issues is a running toilet. Simply understanding how a toilet actually functions is the first best tool in avoiding a running toilet. If you understand the function of the lever and floater, you will be able to fix any running toilet in no time.
Don’t forget to check the plumbing on the outside of your home before you leave on vacation! Any leaks that are there can end up damaging your foundation, especially if you go away during the winter. Check each faucet and pipe, including your sprinkler system, far enough ahead of time to be able to do repairs.
If you are trying to decide on the material to use for your hose, stick with stainless steel. Stainless steel has a very solid construction and stays durable for many years, eliminating the need for replacement. Also, this material is less prone to bursting, which can yield severe plumbing issues.
As you can see, plumbing isn’t such a scary thing, it just requires proper knowledge and instruction. Fixing your own plumbing can save a lot of money. Hopefully, this article has given you at least a few of the ideas that you need, so that next time your plumbing has a problem, you can fix it yourself.
