Plumbing
Repair Tips Before You Call Experts
Flooding is not an uncommon problem and the destruction of
property, as a result, can be huge. It is a real-life scenario that can occur due
to pipe burst, leakage, and a number of other such issues. Disasters happen every
day and they are more common than you think. You never know when a network of
pipes or drains malfunction to make plumbing a nightmare!
While you can always get on the phone and call experts like Lincoln plumbing company, there are
certain things you can do to contain the situation and make the repairs far
less expensive. The best and the only way to avoid plumbing disasters is to
have basic knowledge of the potential problems and awareness of suitable
solutions.
Here are some tips to help you get on top of these common issues.
Acquaint yourself with your main water supply
Your main water supply is the first point of access for water in
your home. It is usually located near the water heater in your basement. Locate
the valve that you can shut down to stop water flow, in case of a leak or burst
pipe situation. If you are ever in a situation where your basement starts
flooding due to these reasons, the first thing to do is shut off the main valve
and then call the experts.
Tackle clogged drains
Clogged drains are a harsh reality that you will have to deal with
at some point. When you take a shower, your hair falls out that can build up
over time and block your drainage system. It is common for people to use liquid
drain cleaners to remedy the problem, but plumbers call it a big mistake.
Overuse of these liquid cleaners can damage the integrity of your plumbing infrastructure.
Instead, buy a snake or a similar tool from a hardware shop to remove the
debris that is blocking your drains.
Keep checking the water pressure
A healthy plumbing system thrives on
adequate water pressure. Monitor the water pressure for the smooth functioning
of your plumbing system. A simple pressure gauge can be purchased cheaply at
any hardware store. You can also consider installing a home water monitoring
system that gives you accurate water pressure in real-time. It is also helpful in
keeping a track of your water usage and detect leaks.
Maintain safe water pressure levels
If you notice that the water pressure in your home’s plumbing is
high, you must aim to maintain it at safe levels. You can do that by installing
a pressure-reducing valve. If your home depends on municipal water supply, then
a pressure reducing valve is a must-have. Your home and its plumbing fixtures
are only designed to withstand pressure in the range of 50-60 psi. Anything
more than that can cause damage to your plumbing.
Don't flush the waste down the toilet
Never flush things like cotton swabs, baby wipes, and paper towels
down the toilet as they may get caught in the pipes and clog the plumbing. The
only safe things to flush are toilet papers and your own waste. You must also
invest in a plunger to help unclog the drain if the water backs up.
At the same time, you must also ensure that all the components in
your toilet tank are running smoothly. Sometimes, the leaks can be very tiny
that can go unnoticed. You can check these leaks by putting some food coloring
in the tank. If you notice that the water in the toilet bowl is colored, you
know that there is a leak that you must get checked.
Treat your garbage disposal system with respect
Garbage disposals are helpful in keeping your drainage system
running smoothly. However, they are not capable of handling everything. Think
twice before you pour fats, grease, or oils down the drain. These can
solidify and build-up in your pipes when they cool down. You can keep your
disposal blades sharp by throwing in some ice cubes every once in a while. You
must also let the cold water run in the drain for at least 5-10 minutes before
and after you run the disposal system.
Fix the leaks
Dripping faucets are not only an enormous waste of water but also
an annoyance. Every drop you waste will add to your bill and water wastage.
Drip in your faucets can be caused either due to a faulty component in the
fixture or high water pressure. In most cases, you are able to repair the taps
yourself. However, if you find it too complex to do it on your own, don't
hesitate to call a trained plumber.
Keep these plumbing tips in mind to reduce your repair expense and
maintain your plumbing for years.