What home owners must know about plumbing? 

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Plumbing-DIY

When in doubt, talk to a professional plumber

In many cases, quick action can save you from having to spend thousands of dollars on water damage repair and mold remediation. Given the relatively high stakes associated with water damage to your home, it always makes sense to consult with a locally trusted plumber in your area if you are seeing signs of impending trouble. In a majority of cases, fast, proactive action on your part is all it takes to avoid an expensive and complicated plumbing catastrophe.

All home owners very often come across plumbing problems and it is not affordable to call the plumber every time you have a water leakage. This is why people who try to repair the minor issues themselves at home, save a couple of dollars. Of course calling the professional is the best option to avoid any collateral damage while you repair but, calling the plumber every single time you have a problem would also cost you a fortune. So. There are few checks and minor repairs that you, being a layman, should know.

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1. First of all, you should know the main supply of water. In case of any leakage, this is the first point of consideration. You need to turn off the supply to your home before finding out where the problem lies.
2. Knowing where the main clean out for the sewer is, is very important. This is usually close to the outside of house or it could be at the basement of the house. Being a home owner, you should know about the main sewer clean out for regular blockage checks and maintenance.
3. Like the main supply, you should also be aware of the water supply for every part of the house. This way, you can exclusively pin point the exact point of leakage.
4. Once you’ve located the main sewer clean out and main supply of water, make sure you don’t put furniture or any other hindrance in that area because in case of an emergency, these are the first two points that you need to reach as soon as possible.
5. Lastly, something that most of us go wrong at, do not close a tap too tightly. This will prolong its life. The seal wears out every time you close it too tightly.

Here’s a sample plumbing maintenance checklist that experts use:

• Check Sinks: Each sink should drain properly and not slow draining. Otherwise, it indicates a blocked vent pipe or clogged drain. When bubbles are appearing when the water drains, it’s also a sign of a plumbing problem.
• Check Tubs and Showers: Your tub and shower should also drain properly like your sink. Slow drainage could mean clogged or blocked plumbing fixtures.
• Inspect Washing Machine Hoses: Any cracks, leaking, or brittleness in your washing machine hose may cause failure. Because washing machine hoses are made of rubber, they lose resiliency over time and may burst. Expect that your plumber will also be checking your washing machine hose.
• Check Faucets: The plumber will check any leaks from the valves or handles with all of the faucets turned on. By doing so, you have a peace of mind that your plumbing system is in good shape without small leaks that can waste a lot of water and higher utility bills over time.
• Observe for Cracked Tiles: Loose, hollow, or cracked tiles is an indicative sign of water leak, causing rotting behind or underneath the tile. Your plumber will inspect these areas and fix the main source of the problem, like replacing parts or sealing holes or cracks in your water valves or pipeline.
• Check Water Heater: Once a year, make it a point to drain and clean your water heater to remove gunk or sediment buildup. The warning signs that your water heater has sediment buildup include rusty colored water, decreased amount of hot water, low water pressure, and clothes not as bright white as they usually look when coming out of the washing machine.

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