Top 15 Plumbing Tips from Master Plumbers

As a homeowner, you understand the importance of having a sound plumbing system. 

Plumbing concerns are not fun to deal with, since it interferes with your routine. But there are ways for you to prevent these issues from happening. Below is a list of tips from master plumbers that we have compiled to help keep your home in working condition.

Your drain is not for greasy or oily food

As a homeowner, you understand the importance of having a sound plumbing system. 

Plumbing concerns are not fun to deal with, since it interferes with your routine. But there are ways for you to prevent these issues from happening. Below is a list of tips from master plumbers that we have compiled to help keep your home in working condition.

Use a strainer

While showering, you will notice your hair fall accumulates and forms a ball down your pipes. You know that a ball of hair, food particles, and other things do not belong down the drain. Due to your negligence, a number of plumbing issues are bound to arise.

To avoid clogging your drain, use a strainer to separate these particles from the liquids. Also, a sink strainer can help prevent other plumbing issues such as back-ups and clogging.

Another handy way is to use filters in the shower. Choose from different filters: wire mesh, back nut, or double cut. All these work to screen food particles and other materials that should not go down the pipes.

Know the things you can flush

Do you know what happens to the things that you flush down the toilet? Let us take a little peek into the functioning of your sewer system. Once an object is flushed down the toilet, the waste is emptied into the sewer system through your drainage.

Eventually your sewage makes its way to your local treatment plant where it undergoes a variety of steps for treatment and waste removal. Non-biodegradable objects flushed down the toilet will not break down on their own. Hence, there is a need to manually remove and dispose of them.

Sometimes these debris can accumulate if they do not make it all the way to the treatment plant. Eventually they will cause clogging and backups. If their objects are large, they will never leave your home, and take residence in your pipes.

Remember the three P’s: pee, poo and (toilet) paper. These three are the only ones you can flush down your toilet and should go to the sewer system.

Flushing things other than these three can cause severe clogging and back-ups. And we are pretty sure you do not want to go through the pain of dealing with it.

Accessible main sewer drain

Drains in your home lead to the main sewer line connected to the municipal or septic tank system. Keep your sewer drain free and clean so that it is accessible in case of sewage line blockage. Please keep it in plain sight which is easy to locate, as this will save resources and time spent to locate it.

Dealing with clogged drains

A clogged drain is a common problem and we all get to face this. The first thing that may come to your mind when dealing with a clog is to use a liquid drain cleaner.

Yet, chemicals are harmful to you, your family, and your plumbing infrastructure. Know emergency plumbing solutions to address the issue before professional help arrives.

Know where to locate your main water valve

You do not have to be a plumbing expert or a professional in the field. Being equipped with basic plumbing knowledge is enough should any issue arise.

Most of the time you can deal with basic plumbing issues yourself. All you have to do is to find your main water valve in the basement close to the water heater. There is a shut-off valve that will completely stop the flow of water into your home once closed. Turn off your main water valve if your pipes burst, to mitigate the damage.

If you do not know where to find your main valve, you will spend a lot of your time looking while your home starts to flood.

Check for leakages

Leaking pipes wreak havoc on your entire home and incur extra expenses. They can cause structural damage and ruin your property’s integrity. The worst thing that can result from unaddressed leaks is a flood. 

Some water leakages are an indirect cause of specific health issues. Damp spots cause problems like mould and mildew, or fungi that can appear where there is a damp spot.

Moisture is an essential element that aids the growth of these types of fungi. Moisture allows these fungi to thrive, spread, and pose specific health hazards. These fungi are a common cause of allergic reactions or skin irritations.

Toilet leaks are one of the things that you should keep an eye out for. The toilet is a common place to find a leak, especially with a broken flush valve seal. Your flush valve seal is why water does not overflow from your tank when it is not in flushing mode.

Protect your plumbing from freezing

As winter begins to roll in, you are also faced with a number of plumbing-related issues that come with the season. Your pipes are one of the most vulnerable during winter.

A frozen pipe is a problem you would face during winter when the temperature drops. Ensure that the temperature at your home is warm enough to keep your plumbing safe. Insulate your pipes and as many of your outside plumbing lines as possible.

Avoid using chemical drain cleaners

Chemical cleaners often come to offer an immediate solution to clear your drains. But they are detrimental to the health of your plumbing pipes. And they can do more damage than provide a solution.

There are natural bacteria that thrive in your septic tanks. These are bacteria that you need to break down the waste. Chemical drain cleaners kill these organisms, and lessens the effectiveness of your septic system. Over time, you may need to replace or repair your septic tank.

These chemical cleaners are also detrimental to the environment. They may end up in your water supply and the residue will eventually make its way in a landfill.

Know when to turn off the source

Any damage to your pipes during an ongoing renovation or project can flood the property. Avoid incurring extra expenses by mitigating the source of the problem. Shut off the water supply to the entire house, or to that part of your home to prevent this from happening.

Separate shut-off valves

There may come a day when you must deal with an all water or no water problem. Fixture shut-off valves are stop valves controlling the water flow of plumbing fixtures. These plumbing fixtures include your faucets and toilets.

You can work on a leaking toilet without having to shut off the water to the entire house. Separate shut-off valves allow you to keep the water supply in your home running.

Monitor the water's pressure

A sudden change in the flow of water in your pipes can result in a surge in water pressure. Water pressure is present when water forces its way through your plumbing system.

The plumbing system's reservoir and elevation are two factors that affect water pressure. High or low water pressure can cause problems to your pipes, fixtures, or appliances. And in the long run, it will cost you more to repair and replace them.

Check the water pressure in your home using a water pressure gauge. Ideal water pressure should be 40 to 60 pounds per square inch (PSI). Water should naturally and continuously flow through the pipes, with a balanced feel. It should not trickle or spout and ensure that the water never exceeds 80 PSI.

Separate shut-off valves

There may come a day when you must deal with an all water or no water problem. Fixture shut-off valves are stop valves controlling the water flow of plumbing fixtures. These plumbing fixtures include your faucets and toilets.

You can work on a leaking toilet without having to shut off the water to the entire house. Separate shut-off valves allow you to keep the water supply in your home running.

Replacing your water heater

Like other appliances, water heaters also have a lifespan. The average lifespan of a water heater before it needs replacement is eight years. You can have your water heaters repaired, but once it gets double-digit, it is time to find a replacement.

Call a professional to help you through the process. It is best that you seek help from an expert rather than doing it yourself.

Know when to seek professional help

You can provide temporary solutions to your plumbing needs. But you should also know when to seek help from professional plumbers. If your plumbing problem encompasses more than a leaking faucet, like a clogged drain that do-it-yourself plumbing cannot fix, it is time to call in the professionals.

The best way to avoid plumbing issues is to remain aware and prepared. Remember these 15 tips if you encounter any plumbing problems. Armed with this information, you can prevent these problems before they get out of hand.

Be mindful about averting emergencies, and keep an eye out for any signs of a problem. The tips above will help you do that.