Flashback Friday: In-Home Plumbing Tips

Plumbing systems are pretty simple – they use pressure and valves Plumbing suppliesand you just have to keep them dry and warm so problems don’t arise. Here are a few tips that can alert you to small problems in order to avoid bigger problems in the future.

Warning signs of a potential in-home plumbing problem:

  • damp cabinets
  • leaking or dripping faucets
  • wobbly toilets
  • leaking refrigerator, dishwasher or washing machine

What you can do to help preserve the integrity of your in-home plumbing:

  • To save yourself money and the plumber time, know where your home’s main water shut-off valve and sewer stack are located. (This also includes the valves for washing machines, icemakers, sinks and toilets. A stud sensor can also detect pipes and wiring to help you locate valves.)
  • Insulate exposed pipes in a crawl space or in the garage with plastic or foam insulation.
  • Apply insulating caps to outdoor fixtures.
  • If you plan on being away from home for a few days, open taps to a small trickle to prevent pipes from freezing.
  • For leaky shower heads, replace the washer.
  • Fit tub and shower drains with strainers to catch hair and clean them regularly.
  • Don’t use your toilet as a wastebasket.
  • If you have hard water, you probably have a build-up of mineral deposit on your shower head. Remove the build-up by putting one cup of distilled vinegar in a plastic bag, immerse the shower head in the vinegar, secure the bag to the shower head with a twist tie and let it soak overnight.
  • Check washer hoses for bulges and leaks as well as sediment build-up where the hose connects to the piping.
  • Ensure the water heater temperature is not set above 120°F, or “medium” for older water heater models.
  • Reduce water pressure and install water softener to expand the life expectancy of your in-home plumbing pipes. Normal pressure will register between 40 and 85 psi.

 

To find out how to help protect yourself in the event of an in-home plumbing emergency, visit www.slwofa.com

5 thoughts on “Flashback Friday: In-Home Plumbing Tips

  1. Pingback: Melbourne Plumber Reviews - Freedom Web

  2. I wanted to thank you for all the advice that you shared here in regards to preserving the integrity of your in-home plumbing. Being newlyweds, my wife and I would love to save as much money as possible, since we just put a down payment on a new car. With that being said, any money that we can save would be beneficial. I like that you mentioned how you could save yourself time and money by shutting off the water using the home’s main water valve when you are experiencing problems in your home. I think I know where that is, but I will need to make sure! Thanks again for the tips! http://www.regroutservices.com.au/leaking-showers