Buying a home is exciting. But it can also be a little daunting. There are so many things to know. In this article, we are going to share the 15 things you and your family should know about your plumbing system.
1. The Purpose
Your plumbing system is responsible for bringing clean water into your home and taking waste water out. Of course, you know this, but we wanted to remind you and believe it's a great thing to remind your children of. When the plumbing goes bad in a home, your entire life can change. Knowing the importance of plumbing may deter little guys from causing major issues.
2. Main Water Valve
You and your entire family should know where your main water shut-off valve is located in case of a leak or other emergency. A few years ago, one of our clients called us about a leak in their basement. When we arrived, we were expecting a lot of damage. Luckily, this homeowner had taken our advice and showed his entire family the cutoff valve and explained what to do in case of a leak. His 10-year-old son was playing in the basement and noticed water pouring out of the ceiling. Before he even called his dad down to see the problem, he took it upon himself to turn off the main water valve. He probably saved his parents tens of thousands of dollars.
3. Sewer Clean Out
It's a good idea to know where your sewer clean-out is located too, in case you ever need to have your sewer line cleaned. When you first move into a house, you have a thousand things on your mind. Cleaning out the sewer line is probably not one of them. That being said, we believe it will be helpful for you and your plumber if you know exactly where the clean-out is located.
4. Save Money
They say knowledge is power. In this case, that power gives you the chance to save money on your water bill. One of the easiest ways to save money on your water bill is by installing low-flow plumbing fixtures.
5. Leaks Are Urgent
If you have a plumbing leak, it's important to get it fixed as soon as possible to avoid water damage. Even a small leak can cost you thousands of dollars if you ignore it. Often what you see is only part of the problem. The bigger problem may be lurking behind your walls.
6. Toilet Leaks
Toilets are one of the most common sources of plumbing leaks, so be sure to check yours regularly for any signs of leaking. Also, toilets are one of the worst things a homeowner can install themselves. They look simple but if you do it wrong, the risks are high.
7. Plumbing Shouldn't Be Noisy
If your plumbing is making strange noises, it could be a sign of a serious problem. Calling a plumber early can save you aggravation and bigger problems.
8. Grease and Drains
You know as an adult that you should never pour grease or oil down the drain, as it can cause plumbing problems. But does the rest of your family? More importantly, do you have a solution to the problem that is easy for everybody in the house to follow?
9. Small Problems Become Big
Always use strainers in your sink to catch food and other debris before it goes down the drain. Sure, a few things will go down the drain easily. Unfortunately, these small things add up and eventually lead to a big blockage.
10. Think Before You Flush
Never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. This includes flushable wipes. See our article on flushable wipes here.
11. Keep Your Fixtures Tight
If a plumbing fixture is loose, tighten it up with a wrench. You can save money on your water bill by fixing plumbing leaks as soon as you find them.
12. Vacation Plans
If you're going on vacation, be sure to turn off the water to your home to avoid plumbing problems while you're away. Not sure how important this is? We recently had a customer call us after taking a two-week vacation. While she was gone a mouse had chewed through the water line to her refrigerator. She came back to over $100,000 in damages.
13. Plumbing Inspection
Being a proactive homeowner will save you money. It's a good idea to have your plumbing system checked by a professional every few years. We may be able to head off big problems before they happen.
14. Unclogging Drains
You can unclog most drains yourself using a plunger or a plumbing snake. But, never use chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your plumbing system.
15. Follow Instructions
"I didn't think that step mattered." That's usually what we hear when we are called out to correct a problem a homeowner has caused. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using any plumbing fixture or appliance. Every step counts.
Remember, prevention is the best way to avoid plumbing problems. So be sure to take good care of your plumbing system and have it checked regularly. We are here to help. Give us a call if you need any assistance with your plumbing - (410) 768-5350.