If there’s anything that homeowners should know, it’s that maintenance is important. Multiple elements come with homeownership. Almost, if not all of them, require regular maintenance. But some require more attention than others. One such element is the home plumbing system.
The plumbing system is responsible for moving water around the house. One mechanism brings in fresh water. The other mechanism is responsible for driving wastewater away from the house. All the water that enters your house moves with pressure. This pressure enables it to pass through the pipe system. As water pumps into your home, a meter normally measures the water’s volume.
The state of your plumbing system is crucial for your health and comfort. You want your plumbing system to be in good shape because plumbing issues could cost a lot to fix. They also may leave significant water damage. For example, leaky pipes could cause mold, which is harmful to your health. That’s why regular maintenance is critical. It allows you to identify problems before they become serious. So, consider partnering with a reliable plumbing company like Victoria plumber that will handle your plumbing maintenance for you.
Furthermore, there’s a lot that homeowners should know about plumbing. People who enjoy do-it-yourself (DIY) work may fancy their chances of fixing minor plumbing problems. However, it’s best to leave plumbing issues to professionals because it’s easy to overlook technical aspects if you aren’t an expert. Nevertheless, it would help if you knew how to maintain your plumbing system as a homeowner. Here’s a list of the do’s and don’ts of home plumbing you should know.
Do’s
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Do Use The Right Tools
If you’re going to fix a plumbing problem, be sure you have the necessary equipment. Some tools you may need include a plunger, hacksaw, wrench, pliers, and silicone sealant, among others. You may have none or a few plumbing tools if you are not a professional plumber. But even if you have most of the tools, you must know how to use them properly.
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Do Work With Registered Plumbers
Although you could do some plumbing work around the house, it is preferable to leave major plumbing work to professionals. There are various reasons why you should seek out certified plumbers like plumber Langley. One reason is that some regions may require that only certified plumbers carry out maintenance and repairs. Another reason is that some manufacturers require you to hire only registered plumbers to work on their products to maintain the warranty.
Furthermore, you need a great plumber to conduct your plumbing inspections, maintenance, and repairs. Maintenance should ideally be done on an annual basis. You can rest easy knowing that specialists are working on your plumbing system and will address any problems before they have the chance to escalate. However, when selecting a contractor, consider if they are local and if they provide emergency services.
Working with certified plumbers may come at a modest premium, but it’s worth the cost. Regular maintenance saves you a lot of money in the long term since it prevents significant problems from arising.
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Do Disconnect Water Supply Before Repair
If your home experiences a leak or blockage, you must cut off the water supply before attending to the situation. You need to look for the main water switch, then cut off the water supply. It’s usually located somewhere close to the water meter.
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Do Unclog Blocked Sinks Naturally
Having a blocked or clogged sink or water line is frustrating. However, you need to be careful with the chemicals you use when unclogging your sink, as some may be unsuitable for your pipes. Instead, rely on natural solutions like vinegar and baking soda. You can also use a plunger if you’ve got one at home.
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Do Learn Local Building Codes
Building and plumbing codes will differ between regions, municipalities, or localities. It would help to know these before undertaking any major repairs. Professional plumbers know these building codes because they’re required to comply with them. In fact, some regions make it a strict requirement that only registered plumbers do specific jobs.
It’s important to note that these building codes aren’t established to punish anyone. Instead, they exist to protect you and the people around you. Therefore, you shouldn’t overlook them. Ignoring these codes could lead you to damage an important utility line, for example, which may affect your neighbors.
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Do Protect Your Eyes
It’s best to protect yourself as much as possible when doing plumbing work. Wear glasses whenever you’re cutting or drilling through pipes. This will prevent any small debris or sewage material from entering your eyes.
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Do Protect Your Hands And Lungs
Plumbing is a hands-on job, so you must protect your hands. Make sure you wear work gloves at all times. You may be tempted to remove them while working in tight spaces, but you must keep them on to prevent injury. You must also keep in mind that your hands will touch different surfaces and may catch onto different contaminants and germs, so wearing latex or plumbing gloves is necessary for your safety.
Moreover, you need to wear a face mask where necessary. This is especially important if you’re sanding or sawing. The mask prevents dust particles from entering your lungs.
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Do Read Labels And Use Tools Safely
Every tool, chemical, or machine you purchase usually has labels or user guides. You need to make sure that you read these labels carefully before using these things. It may be tempting to ignore these labels and go right away with using these materials, but that shouldn’t be the case. Reading these labels is important for your safety.
This is especially relevant when using power tools. These tools are often used by professionals who know how to use them. However, if you’re not an expert, it is recommended that you follow the label directions. For example, if you want to drill a hole in your pipe, you should know which drill bit to use. Follow the instructions that come with the power tool to avoid using the wrong drill bit. You could also watch video tutorials online for more information. Doing this may prevent you from hurting yourself. It also helps to prevent you from breaking that power tool.
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Do Know When To Give Up
Even if you consider yourself a good DIYer, you still need to know the limits of your skills. You will encounter problems that are beyond your ability to troubleshoot. In such instances, you should call your plumber and have them fix the issue for you. Try not to tamper with anything that may worsen the issue. If you suspect a problem may be too big for you, hit the experts.
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Do Check Water Meter And Bill
It’s prudent to track your water meter and bill constantly. It’s easy to read. The reason why you must regularly check the meter is to look for any irregularities. If your water bill is suspiciously high, you may need to call your plumber to investigate the situation, as it could be a sign of leakage.
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Do Test Water Pressure Regularly
It’s also good practice to regularly check your water pressure. Before testing water pressure on your own, you should ask your plumber to brief you on how to do it properly. They know what the ideal water pressure is. However, you will have to purchase a water pressure tester. Luckily, it’s a relatively easy tool to use.
If the water pressure is out of whack, it has to be adjusted to normal pressure. To adjust the pressure, you must first locate the regulator, which is usually located near the shut-off valve. Ideally, you want to do this with another person. The other person will check the water pressure while you change the pressure with the regulator.
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Do Have Old Pipes Replaced
You may want to have older pipes replaced after a certain period. Steel pipes, in particular, are prone to corrosion. Corrosion makes them vulnerable to penetration by surrounding tree roots. This, in turn, may pollute the water in your pipes, resulting in leaks and high water bills. As a result, you should consider replacing such pipes with copper or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes. These pipes are more resistant to corrosion than steel pipes.
Don’ts
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Don’t Use Chemical Drain Cleaners
If you encounter a clogged drain, the temptation is to use chemical clog removers to sort everything out. But it’s best to avoid using drain cleaners because they contain chemicals that may affect your plumbing infrastructure. These chemicals may also be harmful to the environment. Instead, try to use a plunger. If that doesn’t work, use a plumber’s snake.
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Don’t Forget Where Pieces Fit
When repairing, you may need to remove some screws, nuts, or other connections. As a result, you must remember the proper place for each component. People who aren’t professionals frequently forget where the components go. Sometimes, due to a lack of expertise, you may place the incorrect piece in the wrong position since you overlooked something only a skilled eye could notice. You can avoid mixing components up by taking pictures during the whole repair process. Ensure you snap an image before you remove something from its place.
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Don’t Ignore Gas Smells
If you’re cutting through pipes and sense a gas smell, don’t ignore it. A gas leak requires urgent attention. Therefore, you must call your contractor or gas company immediately. As you wait for them, it’s best to air out your home to avoid adverse effects on your health.
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Don’t Flush Anything Other Than Toilet Paper
It would be best not to flush anything other than toilet paper. The simple reason is that toilet paper dissolves rapidly in water. Other materials may not dissolve easily and may cause blockages. While most disposable wipes are labeled flushable, they don’t dissolve in water as quickly as toilet paper. They may get mixed with other things in the sewer pipes, which may cause problems.
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Don’t Tighten Plumbing Connections Too Much
While keeping a tight seal on plumbing connections is essential, don’t go overboard. Excessive tightening of fittings may result in damage. Ideally, you should use your hands to tighten connections as much as possible.
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Don’t Hesitate To Call For Help
It should go without saying that you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. Some people try to fix problems themselves to save costs, but this move may worsen the issue and increase your expenses. When in doubt, call a licensed plumber and have them check out the problem.
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Don’t Cut Or Drill Blindly
There may be instances where you have to cut pipes or drill into walls. Ensure that you know the surface you’re cutting or drilling into. You don’t want to drill into your home’s ductwork or electrical wires. Again, that’s why it’s best to have a professional do the cutting or drilling for you.
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Don’t Misuse Tools
Tools are often designed with a specific use in mind. Using the incorrect tools in the wrong applications may not produce the desired outcomes. It may also harm or destroy such tools. You should be cautious, especially when using power tools, because improper use may pose a safety risk.
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Don’t Use Homemade Tools
In an attempt to troubleshoot an issue, some people may improvise by creating homemade tools. For example, someone may want to use a stick to unclog a drain. However, this action may push things deeper down the drain pipe, exacerbating the problem. On the other hand, professional plumbers always have the necessary tools to deal with such problems. Plumbers may have to work harder in some cases to repair an issue that improvised fixes have exacerbated.
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Don’t Pour Oil Or Grease Down The Drain
You shouldn’t pour down grease, fats, and oils in the drain because they solidify when exposed to air. This may cause your drain or sewer lines to get clogged. To avoid these situations, remove oils from your utensils and dishes before washing them.
Conclusion
Plumbing is one of the main things a homeowner should ensure is well-maintained. As a result, you must keep up with its maintenance. Neglecting maintenance may lead to problems and property damages you may not have bargained for. That’s why it’s best to partner with a reputable plumbing company that can conduct annual inspections to reduce repair costs in the long run.
