14 Plumbing Hacks Every Homeowner Needs to Know!
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Sometimes, you can be struck with plumbing issues at any moment, and homeowners may be surprised. Hippo Insurance states that over 60% of US homeowners experience plumbing issues in the summer. 27% of those experience property damage. However, basic plumbing knowledge can save you time and money and keep you more relaxed.
Becoming an informed and competent homeowner about plumbing is a simple matter of knowing what the mains in your home consist of and what they are helpful for. Prevent these 14 common problems and keep your plumbing systems in tip-top shape.
Quick Fixes for Common Leaks: Drips, Faucets, and Pipes
A small leak here and there can waste 200 gallons of water a year. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says that leaks could be reduced by 10 percent of the total water on their water bills if homeowners fix them. While most people know to use plumber’s tape and washers to fix dripping faucets and minor pipe leaks, few realize it may be blocking their drains.
The problem for faucets is usually a worn washer, which can be installed in less than a minute. If you have leaking pipes, wrapping the connection with some plumber’s tape will slow down the water leakage until you have a final fix. These simple fixes will prevent you from flooding or wasting water.
Unclogging Drains Without Harsh Chemicals.
Harsh chemicals might clear your drains, but they will damage your pipes over time. Instead, use a more effective and eco-friendly baking soda and vinegar mixture. Pour baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar.
Allow it to fizz for 10 to 15 minutes, then flush with boiling water. This natural method is safe for your pipes and effectively tackles mild blockages.
Identify and Fix Running Toilets
The Alliance for Water Efficiency defines a running toilet as one that wastes between 200 gallons of water daily. The most common reason is a bad flapper valve, which is cheap and easy to replace.
If you hear your toilet running, lift the lid to the tank and look for a worn or misaligned flapper. Ensure the chain connecting the handle and flapper has a bit of slack. Some proper adjustments can restore normal flushing and stop the waste of water.
Maintaining Your Water Heater
Most homeowners overlook water heater maintenance, but a well-maintained unit will perform much better and last longer. Sediment buildup in the tank can reduce efficiency and even damage.
Draining and flushing the heater every six months will remove residue. Set the temperature to 120°F for best performance and energy savings. Sacrificing some time towards regular maintenance can delay the need for expensive replacement.
Prevent Frozen Pipes During Winter
Burst frozen pipes can cause expensive damage. In unheated areas such as basements or crawlspaces, insulate your pipes with foam insulation or heat tape before the temperature dips.
Keep exposed pipes warm during freezing weather, and don’t freeze by running a slow stream of water through them. No one wants a burst pipe during winter, and one of the best ways to avoid freezing risks is to address them proactively.
Improving Your Shower Head
Replacing an old showerhead can increase water pressure and save water. Choose a low-flow model that will cost you less in utility bills without sacrificing performance. Putting a new showerhead in is as simple.
Unthread the old one, wrap a little plumber’s tape for leak prevention on the new one, and screw it in solidly. An affordable upgrade, this can bring a modern touch to your bathroom while being eco-friendly.
Install a Water Filter at Home
Not only is clean, filtered water healthier than bottled water, but it’s also more cost-effective. Under the sink, you can install a water filter system or, as I did, attach a filter to the faucet.
Whole-house water filtration requires a professional plumber to set up and size. A wallet-maintained filter improves water quality, lowers impurities, and gives you peace of mind for your household.
Use Of Plumbing Tape And Sealants correctly
Teflon tape (or, more formally, plumber’s tape) is a lifesaver for sealing threaded pipe connections and keeping leaks from happening. The fittings will tighten in this direction, and the tape will be wrapped tightly across the male threads.
Plumbing putty or silicone caulk is ideal when you need water-resistant glue to mend cracks or gaps. Using these materials with care can add years to your plumbing.
Using a Plunger Safely and Properly
A durable plunger is your first defense against a clogged drain or toilet. Push the plunger onto the drain or toilet bowl opening so the cover is a good seal, and use firm, steady pressure to push the obstruction through.
Sealing the overflow hole with duct tape or a wet cloth will increase suction from sinks. But this simple tool has yet to become obsolete in resolving clogs quickly.
Understanding Your Home’s Water Pressure And Adjusting It
If water pressure is too high, it can destroy pipes and fixtures, and if it is too low, it can cause inconvenience. A water pressure gauge is an inexpensive tool that can help measure your home’s pressure.
Ideally, it’s between 40 and 60 psi. If it’s too high, you might want to run a pressure regulator. Regular monitoring and adjustment can be done to maintain your plumbing system’s integrity.
A Plumbing Toolkit Is Essential for Every Homeowner
Include key tools like an adjustable wrench, pipe wrench, pliers, plumber’s tape, a plunger, a drain snake, and a bucket. These will help you handle most minor repairs and common plumbing issues yourself.
However, investing in these tools can also prevent you from calling a professional for something that could easily be fixed yourself.
Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures – Proper Care
The inside plumbing, like toilets and sinks, and outdoor fixtures, such as hose bibs, sprinklers, and irrigation systems, need maintenance. Disconnect hoses before freezing weather to prevent pipe bursts, and use insulating covers to add protection.
It would help if you also clean your sprinkler heads regularly so water is distributed in proper places. Preserving these installations and reducing wasted water are aided by attention to outdoor fixtures.
Practical Plumbing Knowledge for Homeowners
Knowing a few plumbing hacks will help you handle and care for your house. The information here saves money and gives comfort in going at it alone. But if you need guidance on where to begin or are dealing with a complex problem, empower yourself by learning from knowledgeable people.
Or get reliable tools and resources that make plumbing easier. It takes effort to get there, but it is worth it in the long run!
Know When To Call a Plumber
Just because you may successfully resolve many plumbing problems with your DIY efforts doesn’t mean that there aren’t times when you need to call a professional. Sewage backups, significant leaks, or malfunctioning water heaters are usually tricky issues that a licensed professional must deal with, especially safely and efficiently.
However, if the same problem keeps happening repeatedly, that’s another sign of deeper problems within your plumbing system. Waiting on professional intervention for complex issues will equate to more expensive repairs in the future. The safest way is always better than the other.
Disclaimer: This is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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