Plumbing is one of the most critical considerations when owning a house. No matter how big or small your house is, you need plumbing as it does several things in a home. It provides for the basic needs of water supply and waste disposal.
As a homeowner, you can never do without it, so you should have ample knowledge about proper maintenance even if you are not a professional plumber. Take note that plumbing problems are inevitable, especially since water is a daily necessity. Yet, with these valuable tips, handling those issues may be as easy as 1–2-3.
Keep an Eye on an Unusual Increase on Your Monthly Water Bill
This is one of the most efficient ways to determine if there are leaks or other plumbing problems in your home. If you find out your water bill has increased beyond usual, take a closer look into it. It could be that there is something wrong with your plumbing.
One of the common causes for this could be a leaking faucet. You might not have noticed yet that you have been using water even when not doing a task. Immediately check your whole house by simply turning off appliances, fixtures and other devices that use water. Make sure to check for other possible sources of leaks like running toilets, dripping faucets, and showerheads. If this happens, call a plumber immediately.
Always Have Plungers Ready
Having plungers handy is never a bad idea because you do not know when you will need them. A plunger is used for forcing waste down the drain hole to go down and out quickly.
Having at least two types of plunger in your home is essential – those designed for toilets and another for sinks. But, if you are only planning to keep one, choose the one that fits your toilet bowl perfectly.
A good thing about having both types at home is that they each have a distinct use. When using a sink plunger, plunge it into the drain until it covers up everything in it, including the stopper and put some weight on top of it. If your problem is not yet solved in one try, repeat the process a couple more times until you can get rid of that blockage. Next, if you are dealing with a toilet clog, grip your toilet plunger tightly by its handle to give pressure against the water surface inside your bowl and push down. Make sure that every spot in there gets covered, so water flows freely again.
Have a Plan for Water Emergencies
Every homeowner should have a plan when it comes to water emergencies in their homes. This doesn’t just include what you would do if your toilet started running, but also what you’ll do in case of a burst pipe or when the power goes out on the main water supply line. Suppose you live alone or with others who are also not capable of handling water emergencies. In that case, these situations can turn into something much worse than they need to be if no one knows how to respond appropriately. Make sure that everyone stays calm, turn off all water sources and even the gas supply, and have a way to get help if you’re not able to do it yourself.
Don’t Forget Your Septic Tank
One common issue that plagues homes today is a septic tank issue. This is because many people are using a septic tank in ways that it isn’t meant to be used.
Septic systems need maintenance just like everything else in the home. If you want to keep your septic tank in good working condition, you should consistently check it. This means that if you notice more waste than usual or if things are floating around down there, get it checked out immediately by a professional. You never know what could happen if you ignore these problems for too long, and it’s much easier to prevent them when they’re still small.
Homeowners Insurance Should Cover Plumbing Issues
If you have homeowners insurance, you may be surprised by how much it covers. Many people assume that the coverage doesn’t include plumbing problems or repairs. However, if there is a problem with the pipes in your home and they are making noise or leaking, most insurance policies will cover this because it can cause damage to other parts of your home. If you think there’s something wrong with your plumbing system and don’t want to do maintenance on it yourself, contact your agent and find out exactly what they’ll cover.
Every homeowner should have basic plumbing knowledge. It’s a skill that can help you save money and solve problems before they get out of hand. If you’re new to it, don’t be afraid to learn more about plumbing or read the handy manual that comes with your devices if you bought one recently. It’s never too late to learn and be ready.
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