Do you have a leaky faucet, low water pressure, or a clogged pipe? You’re probably tempted to contact a licensed plumber and with reason. Typically, homeowners lack the necessary skills for a do-it-yourself plumbing job. They may even exacerbate the situation, in the long run, resulting in thousands of dollars worth of property and personal damage. However, refrain from dialing your plumber immediately! The following are ten fundamental plumbing secrets that every homeowner should be aware of. Perhaps one of them will help prevent a costly visit from your neighborhood expert.
#5. Plumbing Pipe Puncturing Is a No-No
Are you planning to drill holes in your walls, floors, or ceiling or to pound nails into them? Determine whether there are any supply or drainage pipes behind your work area, as you do not want to puncture them accidentally. With an inexpensive stud finder, you may be able to locate pipes behind walls. Alternatively, you could invest in an endoscopic camera that is capable of being snared into the walls.
#4. Garbage Down the Drain
Never pour coffee grounds, food debris, bacon grease, vegetable peelings, or starchy foods such as rice or potatoes down the kitchen drain; they will almost always clog your plumbing pipes. Additionally, it is prudent to read the manufacturer’s manual for your garbage disposal to determine the unit’s capacity.
#3. Plunging
Invest in a good plunger to help you unclog toilets, sinks, and drains. If you’re cleaning sink traps, begin by pushing the majority of the water out with a plunger before removing the trap. The task will be significantly less wet and messy as a result.
#2. More Plumber’s Tape!
Plumber’s tape (also known as Teflon tape) is used to seal pipe threads and joints and fittings to prevent leaks. The plumber’s tape should typically be wrapped three times around the pipe threads before sealing. Additionally, the white tape is intended for use with common household plumbing projects, whereas yellow tape is intended for use with gas line connections.
#1. Leaks
The constant drip, drip, drip of a fixture represents money being flushed down the drain. Indeed, a dripping faucet can waste up to eight gallons of water per day, whereas a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons. Repair minor leaks promptly to prevent larger — and costlier — problems.
This is some of the best plumbing advice you can take so you can save yourself a lot of money and stress in the long run.