This guide outlines the 4 top plumbing tips for DIY home maintenance.
If you are a new homeowner or have lived in your house for years, you are going to come across plumbing issues at some time. Some of these issues can be solved you yourself and others will require the experts at Milestone.
4 top plumbing tips for DIY home maintenance
What are the top plumbing tips for every homeowner? Every homeowner should be able to locate their shutoff valves and be familiar with their operation to prevent water damage if there is a leak.
Clearing a minor clog in their sink or toilet will help get their drains working again if there is an issue. Lastly, checking and maintaining the water heater will help prolong its life. Below we will go over each of the plumbing tips to keep the systems in your house operating as they should.
How to keep your plumbing system in good shape
Shut-Off Valves
There are multiple shut-off valves located throughout your home. They are installed to stop the flow of water and prevent any further damage if there is a water leak. All homeowners should familiarize themselves with the location and operation of each shut-off valve as one of the key plumbing tips.
The main shut-off valve for the entire house is located just past the water meter where the water pipe enters your home. This will stop water to the entire home. There are shut-off valves near the hot water heater, as well as any sink, shower, or toilet.
Minor Clogs in the Drain Pipes
If your sink does experience a clog, every homeowner should be able to clear it without needing to call a professional plumber. For most clogs, a small plunger will be sufficient to clear it and get your drain flowing.
One of the important plumbing tips is: Do not use any chemical drain cleaners to remove a clog from your drain lines. They can cause damage to your drain pipes. Use boiling water, followed by a vinegar and baking soda mixture to clear most clogs from your drain pipes.
Hot Water Heater Maintenance
You should inspect your hot water tank regularly to ensure it is not leaking. In this area, plumbing tips are that signs of rust or strange noises can be an indication of problems with your hot water tank. Hot water tanks should be drained periodically in order to remove sediment or build-up that is found in the bottom of the tank.
If your hot water tank has an electrical heating element, be sure to turn off the breaker before performing any maintenance. You can damage the heating element or run the risk of shock if the power is not turned off.
How to do building maintenance more easily
Unclogging a Toilet
Using a plunger to unclog a toilet is necessary among the plumbing tips every homeowner should learn. You should have at least one plunger in your home and know how to use it in case there is a clog in your toilet. If you do not know how to use a plunger follow this simple how-to guide.
Conclusion
To summarise the crucial plumbing tips everybody should know… Homeowners should be able to clear a clog in a toilet or sink. They should also be able to locate the shut-off valves to prevent any additional damage due to water leaks. Lastly, draining and maintaining their water heater will help prolong its life.
Photo by Damir Mijailovic
