Top 5 Plumbing Basics for Homeowners
You don't have to be a professional to know when there is a problem. Common household hazards can spring a leak in your home as well as your bank account if you don't routinely check for these top 5 plumbing basics:
1. Rusty Pipes
Old rusty pipes can cause various issues within your home. Whether you are a new homeowner or have been living in the same neighborhood for all of your life, having a basic plumbing routine in place can save you frustration and money. By taking a quick look at the visible pipes in your home, be it under your kitchen sink or in your basement, you don't have to be a licensed contractor to know when a pipe is rusty or leaking. If you notice a puddle of water near pipes, it's safe to say that your home needs a little tender, love, and care. If the leak continues, it's best to call a professional to make your home livable once again, especially before your valuables become drenched in dirty water. A professional plumber can help alleviate the common household problem.
2. Overcrowded Sink
It's always good to have the proper tools nearby if there's a mess in the kitchen, but we have found that an overcrowded sink can cause more damage than it does good. By having an overcrowded area under the sink, it is sometimes difficult to notice if there's a leak or dirty pipe behind all of the paper towels and garbage bags. By organizing your area beneath the sink, you can save a lot of hassle when it comes to plumbing needs.
3. Leaky Water Heaters
If you are unsure whether or not your water heater is doing its job, check for dripping underneath your sink. The case most of the time is the lining is torn, causing water to drip from the base. If the water continues to create a large puddle, it's safe to say that a professional may need to be called. The common water heater lasts between 10-12 years. Most plumbing companies provide solutions for leaky water heaters, such as a new heater that is under warranty or a simple part that is needed to save your home and bank account.
4. Air Drafts and Air Leaks
Air that enters or leaves your home affects the efficiency of the heating and cooling systems. By monitoring the air flow in your home, your monthly bills will decrease. A simple way of accessing your home's true capabilities is to open a few windows during the fall and turn down the A/C. A simple way of finding air drafts and leaks in your home is by lighting incense and following the light smoke that may enter or escape through cracks of your foundation. If you find places where smoke escapes, you can use caulk or insulation to stop the air flow.
5. Know Your Water Main
In case of a leak emergency in your home, it is important to know where you water main is located. If your home were ever to sprout a leak, it is comforting to know where your water main is (typically near the street or the house basement) so you can provide a solution to your home problem. The water main, which looks like a wheel or a lever, can turn off your water stream so you can properly find the 'off' setting. To turn off the water by using the wheel, turn it clockwise until it stops. As for the lever, push right and down until it stops. If you have any disconcerting issues with your homes' water system, give a professional plumber a call and they will happily assist you.
1. Rusty Pipes
Old rusty pipes can cause various issues within your home. Whether you are a new homeowner or have been living in the same neighborhood for all of your life, having a basic plumbing routine in place can save you frustration and money. By taking a quick look at the visible pipes in your home, be it under your kitchen sink or in your basement, you don't have to be a licensed contractor to know when a pipe is rusty or leaking. If you notice a puddle of water near pipes, it's safe to say that your home needs a little tender, love, and care. If the leak continues, it's best to call a professional to make your home livable once again, especially before your valuables become drenched in dirty water. A professional plumber can help alleviate the common household problem.
2. Overcrowded Sink
It's always good to have the proper tools nearby if there's a mess in the kitchen, but we have found that an overcrowded sink can cause more damage than it does good. By having an overcrowded area under the sink, it is sometimes difficult to notice if there's a leak or dirty pipe behind all of the paper towels and garbage bags. By organizing your area beneath the sink, you can save a lot of hassle when it comes to plumbing needs.
3. Leaky Water Heaters
If you are unsure whether or not your water heater is doing its job, check for dripping underneath your sink. The case most of the time is the lining is torn, causing water to drip from the base. If the water continues to create a large puddle, it's safe to say that a professional may need to be called. The common water heater lasts between 10-12 years. Most plumbing companies provide solutions for leaky water heaters, such as a new heater that is under warranty or a simple part that is needed to save your home and bank account.
4. Air Drafts and Air Leaks
Air that enters or leaves your home affects the efficiency of the heating and cooling systems. By monitoring the air flow in your home, your monthly bills will decrease. A simple way of accessing your home's true capabilities is to open a few windows during the fall and turn down the A/C. A simple way of finding air drafts and leaks in your home is by lighting incense and following the light smoke that may enter or escape through cracks of your foundation. If you find places where smoke escapes, you can use caulk or insulation to stop the air flow.
5. Know Your Water Main
In case of a leak emergency in your home, it is important to know where you water main is located. If your home were ever to sprout a leak, it is comforting to know where your water main is (typically near the street or the house basement) so you can provide a solution to your home problem. The water main, which looks like a wheel or a lever, can turn off your water stream so you can properly find the 'off' setting. To turn off the water by using the wheel, turn it clockwise until it stops. As for the lever, push right and down until it stops. If you have any disconcerting issues with your homes' water system, give a professional plumber a call and they will happily assist you.