Plumbing tips any homeowner should know

A clogged pipe, low water pressure, dripping faucets – the list of plumbing issues that can arise in a household is quite long. Knowing how to act on time, and dealing with different scenarios by the book will prevent you from facing more extensive damage to your plumbing system. During the festivities, each home is at a bigger risk of developing plumbing problems since dishes are coming in and out of the kitchen at record speeds, and the sinks slowly but surely fill and clog up. The second you see a clog developing, you should call in help to sort it out before it starts flooding the rooms, and Fixed Today Plumbing is considered as one of the most reliable services to help you resolve your pipe problems. It's better to call a specialist to fix the issue instead of trying to do it on your own since this usually leads to making the problem worse!

Any homeowner should have some basic knowledge in this department, and while certain fixtures can’t be covered by DIY skills, being aware of some useful suggestions here can help you keep certain plumbing emergencies under control. Here are some must-known plumbing secrets to look into that may be handy when you least expect it: 

Be careful with pipe punctures 

A punctured pipe can quickly go from causing a small leak to a severe pipe burst. You already know that punctures are risky, but this type of scenario can easily happen if you aren’t careful. 

Perhaps you are pursuing some basic home improvements, and are on the point of drilling a few holes or pounding some nails into your floors, walls or ceiling. Before you start this type of job, take a close look around and check for any hidden drainage or supply pipes. A moment of distraction, and you could easily make a hole in one of your pipes by accident, and from there, costly repairs will be needed. 

If you think there might be pipes installed behind the walls, what you can do is use an affordable stud finder, and try to locate them before proceeding with the repairs. 

Find the location of shut-off valves

Once you spot a leak that could easily flood your entire house in a few hours, if left unattended, you need to act immediately. Before getting to the root of the problem, and handling the necessary repairs, you have to shut off the drain, and stop the water from leaking into the household. 

If you’ve just moved in, finding the location of the shut-off valves should be one of your priorities. You need to know from the start where the system is situated, so you can reach the sewer line access point rapidly in case of emergencies. Keep in mind that if you live in an apartment building, the shut-off valves might not actually be in your apartment. 

Acknowledge the need for a professional inspection 

Periodical professional inspects are recommended here. Even if your plumbing system appears to be in optimal condition, hidden issues could exist, and you won’t be able to spot them, until an actual emergency is triggered. Having your system professionally inspected by a team of specialists from time to time will allow you to keep things under control and prevent potential costly malfunctions. 

A professional inspection will include extensive services, such as lead testing, pipe video inspection or filter system inspection. Every plumbing system area will be carefully check-out, and you will be informed if any repairs or maintenance tasks are demanded. Drain Rescue highlights that a periodical standard inspection can help homeowners maintain their plumbing system completely functional, lowering the odds of leaks, pipe burst or further damage. 

After thoroughly assessing the condition of your pipes, a licensed plumber can provide you with further maintenance support:

• A professional clean of water heaters and garbage disposal

• Drain treatments for flow rate maximization

• Assessment and adjustment of water pressure

• Pressure tests

Don’t leave leaks unattended 

A silent toilet leak, or just a faucet dripping unexplainably, are the types of scenarios you could easily neglect for a while. What you should, however, know here, is that even the smallest leak can turn into a serious system malfunction if it’s left unattended. As soon as you notice one of your pipes is leaking, try to find an optimal solution. 

Have a plunger around

Make sure you have a good plunger in your house. If your toilet or garbage disposal clogs, instead of waiting around for a specialist to come to the rescue, you may be able to easily deal with the problem yourself in just a couple of minutes using this tool. 

Pay attention to what you’re flushing 

One mistake many homeowners tend to make, which can affect the overall plumbing system and lead to serious repair demands, is flushing down the toilet things they shouldn’t. You should never use your toilet as a trash can – the only thing that is meant to be thrown there is toilet paper and nothing more. Even baby wipes can cause some unpleasant clogs, although the phrasing "flushable" may be written on the packaging. Because dealing with a clogged toilet is certainly not pleasant, pay attention to what you’re throwing down there. 

Know when to call a professional

Fixing a plugged toilet using a plunger or sealing a pipe using Teflon tape are tasks you can easily handle yourself. However, you shouldn’t mistake basic DIY household repairs with tasks that should only be handled by licensed professionals. Trying to take care of a complicated fixture on your own can often do more harm than good, leading to repair costs of even thousands of dollars.

You should always know when the situation demands an actual professional, being either too complicate or risky to tackle yourself. An expert should usually be called for the following: 

• The installation of new sinks, tubs or pipes

• Sewer line breaks or leaks

• Problems with your water heater

• Septic tank leaks

Also remember, that the specialist you collaborate with needs to be experienced and to be certified to provide these types of services. An unlicensed handyman won’t be able to offer a completely safe or effective repair. 

Dealing with a complex plumbing issue can be rather unpleasant, and this is why you should be aware of a few important tips from the start, in order to handle potential inconveniences by the book. While some small complications can easily be solved without having to call a professional, other situations will demand the expertise and assistance of an expert. When your plumbing system isn’t working the way it should, you won’t be able to actually enjoy a full-functioning household. Keep these pointers in mind and use them to your advantage. 

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