Common Plumbing Tips to Help You Avoid Disasters

Study up on a few of the most common plumbing tips, and you may be able to avoid major household disasters or just save some money by employing some do-it-yourself maintenance.

Flood Defense

Carpet and/or hardwood floors may never be the same after an unexpected flooding, so the best defense is preparation. Locate the on/off valve for all sinks and toilets before the problem occurs so you can turn off insurgent water at the source without panic. If all else fails, turn off the water main outside- and make sure you have the proper tools in a convenient location in case of emergency.

Quick Fix Clogs

When you start noticing that water is draining slowly in your sink or bath/shower, try a tool like the zip-it bath and sink hair snare. This long plastic wire with plastic barbs is great for catching hair when pushed down the drain. Oh, and you might want some rubber gloves. You may pull up some unsavory gunk. After that, pour some boiling water down the drain to help clean out the rest.

For toilets, sinks and tubs, check that you have the right plunger. Toilet plungers have an inner ring that allows a better fit, but for everything else, a simple bowl-shaped plunger will do. Add more water around the plunger if you need to create more suction.

Simple Prevention

Avoid planting trees near your water lines or septic tank if you have one, as this will cause an expensive problem in the future. Purchase hair/food catchers for all drains, because it’s so much easier to clear out debris before it’s out of site and collecting in a pipe.

Although you take great care of your property, the unexpected plumbing emergency is bound to happen- the kids might flush a toy or a fence post might be driven into a pipe by mistake. In that case, make sure your plumber’s phone number is handy- like stuck to the fridge!

 

Contributing Author: Bonnie Drew is a blogger and customer support/sales specialist for The COOL House Plans Co. and Family Home Plans. For more information or questions about our plans, you can reach Bonnie at [email protected].