No one said that you have to become a professional in fixing plumbing systems to ensure a comfortable and efficient lifestyle. However, there are a few important things you should learn about it. After all, this is not only for your own good, but also for your home and the people who live in it. Although you can always call the experts when it comes to major repairs; it always helps when you know about the basic secrets of plumbing.
Turns the water on and off
In case of a leak, the first thing to do is to shut off the water. You don’t need to call and wait for the plumber to come. You can always go directly to the water source and turn it off. This is among the first things you should do when it comes to any plumbing repair.
Fixing a leaky pipe
Depending on the degree of damage and type of plumbing, you can fix a leaking pipe with epoxy putty or a pipe clamp. But first, you need to know where the leak is, turn off the main water supply, put the clamp on the whole pipe, and then apply the putty or tighten the screws.
Faucet dripping
There is no need to call a plumber when your faucet is dripping. It’s just an easy fix, and sure enough, you can do it yourself. In general, faucets use a rubber washer to stop the flow of water. But over time, it can wear. When this happens, you can simply replace it. For newer faucet designs, you may have to replace the entire valve cartridge and look for more parts. So, things will be a bit difficult, but still manageable.
Plumbing tool
If you have already tried some basic plumbing repairs, you will definitely feel more confident when it comes to fixing complex plumbing tasks. But, make sure you also have the right tools. These should include a plumber’s snake, pipe wrenches, a metal file, and a hacksaw.
Checking for hidden water leaks
Leaks can happen without you knowing about it. It can happen in your bathroom, in the kitchen, or in some other places in the house. In order to find hidden water leaks, you can check for molds, damaged floors, damaged paint, mold, unpleasant odors, or stains in the ceiling. These are among the common signs of an apparent hidden leak.
Replacing your plumbing
Compared to new plumbing systems, old ones are more likely to get leaks. So, to prevent this from happening, check the pipes from time to time. And then, decide if there is a need to replace everything or not. Basically, it will depend on the type of pipes you are using. If possible, before installing a pipe, know the type and ask about the expected life. You also want to watch for signs of damage.
Plumbing inspections
It is recommended that every home should take advantage of regular plumbing inspections. It should be common sense to have a professional plumber maintain and inspect the plumbing system at least once a year. They will be able to tell if any major repairs need to be done. And since they are doing maintenance and inspection, the rates will be a bit cheaper than any massive repair.
Research
If you know you are inexperienced when it comes to plumbing related tasks, make sure you do some thorough research. You can find some tutorial articles and videos online that provide step-by-step tips to make the task easier and faster.
However, there is nothing wrong with taking matters into your own hands. But then, calling a professional plumber can actually give you more insight into how a plumbing system works, which is indeed a good way to start.
Linda Herington is a building and structure enthusiast who is completely passionate about design, structural planning, the industrial revolution and general history. She shows her immense love for the home improvement industry by regularly contributing awesome ideas and content to them. Banjo nominated. Follow her on Twitter @LindaHerington.
