Every mom’s house has its unique soundtrack—children laughing, the sizzle of a steak on the stove, the hum of a washing machine. However, another sound—water dripping from a malfunctioning faucet or the gurgle of an obstinate toilet—can send running chills down anyone’s spine. This guide is here to empower you with knowledge and handy tips to make these plumbing emergencies easily manageable, saving time, anxiety and of course, money.
Getting Familiar with Plumbing
Plumbing is not something out of your realm. In essence, plumbing can be broken down into installing fixtures like sinks or dishwashers or repairing leaks in existing pipeworks. Knowing the basics helps you troubleshoot minor issues before they escalate into bigger problems. For instance, identifying rusty pipes early can prevent a leak or even burst later on.
The Importance of Tools
A toolbox will become your best friend when dealing with home plumbing issues. Having the right tool for the job at hand not only makes it easier but also increases safety. Essential tools include pipe wrenches, plunger, plumber’s snake, plumber’s tape and more. Be sure to have these essentials in your home.
An artist? No, a Plumber!
Though you do not need to be Picasso with a wrench to fix simple plumbing issues, practice leads to improvement. Start small with tasks such as fixing loose joints under your kitchen sink or replacing old washers on leaky faucets. Have an Instagram account? You can follow Instagram for Fergusons Plumbing to upgrade your plumbing knowledge and skills.
Pipe Types and Sizes
In an emergency situation like a leak or burst, it helps knowing the types and sizes of pipes that run through your home. The most common types are PVC, PEX, and Copper. Getting familiar with them can be a huge help in case of an emergency.
The Art of Unclogging
Drain clogs can cause havoc at home if not taken care of properly and promptly. Techniques for unclogging drains differ based on the drain type and the nature of the blockage. A toilet requires a heavy-duty plunger while a kitchen sink may require a plumbing snake. Equip yourself with these unclogging skills to tackle any clogged situation.
Familiarize Yourself With Faucets
Faucets are something everyone interacts with multiple times a day, yet we often overlook their maintenance needs. A simple task like replacing an old washer or tightening a loose screw can, many times, be the difference between a troublesome drip and peace of quiet.
Maintaining Healthy Drains
Your drains need as much care as any other entity in your home. Avoiding flushing items such as paper towels or baby wipes down your toilet and avoiding pouring fat or coffee grounds into your kitchen sink go a long way towards maintaining healthy drains.
Working Under Sinks
Sinks are another common area where plumbing issues occur. From clogging to leaks, sinks keep you on your toes. Knowing your way around the piping beneath your sinks significantly eases troubleshooting and simplifies tasks such as cleaning p-traps or applying plumber’s tape.
Do Not Neglect Showers
An invigorating shower can make all the difference but leaky faucets or rusty shower heads can quickly dampen that experience. Most showerhead issues related to leaks or low pressure are easy to fix with basic tools, saving you time and ensuring that you keep enjoying your showers just the way you love them.
The Toilet Talk
With everyone at home, your toilet might need more attention than ever. A running toilet or one that does not flush properly can be a daily nuisance. Often, fixing a running toilet can be as simple as replacing an old float valve or adjusting the chain on the flapper.
Caring for Your Washing Machine
A washing machine is often overlooked when considering home plumbing. Things like frequently checking hoses for cracks or blisters and turning off water supply when the machine is not in use helps prevent unexpected floods and minimizes the wear and tear of your machine.
Water Heater Care
Your water heater requires regular checks and maintenance too. Performing simple tasks such as periodically draining the tank to remove sediment or inspecting for leaks around valves contributes significantly towards extending its lifespan.
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes a situation gets out of hand despite best efforts—like a relentless clog or a stubborn leak. Knowing when to call for professional help is equally important. It is always okay to seek help when things get overwhelming, remember to choose a reputable plumber to mitigate these issues.
Taking Control Over Plumbing
We all love being self-sufficient, feeling empowered enough to handle small quirks that happen in our homes. This simple guide provides that power and freedom while helping you better understand home plumbing systems and how you can maintain them efficiently with ease.