We generally take the plumbing system for granted. A blocked toilet or burst pipe needs immediate attention. Plumbing is an expensive task for repairing. So it is best to take good care of the system and ensure not to reach such a situation. Keep reading to find out some basic tips on the plumbing emergencies.
Check the leaks
Make sure to inspect the fixtures of the plumbing system regularly. When you find the water bill higher, try to go through the entire system to determine that there isn’t any leak. Never avoid even a small leak as it will turn up to a bigger one if left unattended. Check for the warning signs such as the toilet that rocks on its base, moisture on the walls, peeling of the painted surface, or musty odors.
Kitchen garbage disposal
Never let the kitchen waste pass through the plumbing system. Bones, vegetable fruits waste, leave stalks, corn husks, and other fibers are stringy. Oatmeal, pasta, noodles, rice are starchy. All of these will clog up the system.
Non-food items such as plastics and sponges should not be tossed in it. All of these should be properly disposed-off in the trash bin or compost pile.
Never treat drain clogs with harsh chemicals.
The harsh chemical could be hard on water pipes. Instead, use a plunger or drain snake to dislodge the minor clogs. If you come across the serious clogging issue, employ a licensed plumber to do their job.
Use the toilet carefully
Never flush the diaper, feminine hygiene products, or leftover food. It will lead to risking your plumbing. Also, never pour down the oily, fatty substances into the flush as the grease will mess the plumbing pipes.
Drain your water heater tank annually
This will help to remove the sediment build-up inside it. Stop the electricity supply and the cold water supply valve to the heater first. Then drain the water completely. Check for drips or other problems regularly and fix it appropriately.
Underground plumbing
Make sure you know where underground plumbing is located. Ensure that you are aware of your underground plumbing locations. Save the detailed diagram of the underground setup of the lawn sprinkler system. Have a map of the plumbing checked before installing a swimming pool or new home addition. Take photos of the underground set up and save it safely use it in any future plumbing work.
Isolation valves installed
Isolation valves located at each fixture can be used to stop the flow of water to a particular location. So having the isolation valves installed helps to continue water supply to other areas of the house while the leak is repaired. Turn on and off the isolation valves annually to ensure its working condition.
Insulate plumbing pipes
To avoid the freezing of water inside the pipe during winter days, open cabinets to expose piping to warm it up. Insulate the plumbing pipes to keep the water inside the pipe warmer. Also, another great tip is to keep the water dripping slightly. It will avoid the water from freezing inside the pipe.