Plumbing Tips

Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, simple plumbing tips can save you a fortune in repairs and hours of soaking up water. Review these helpful ideas and save yourself a costly plumber visit.

Know the Location of the Shut-Off Valve
Before cold weather strikes or rainstorms come along, determine the location of the main shut-off valve for your water. In most cases, the shut-off will be located outside the house. Practice turning it on and off and check to see that it functions properly before a crisis arises.

Don’t Put Garbage Down the Drain
Toss your trash in the can or compost pile and keep vegetable peelings, rice, potatoes, and pasta out of your garbage disposal. Check the manufacturer’s manual for exactly what your unit can handle. Most clogged garbage disposals or pipes can be avoided with a little forethought.

Pull Out the Vacuum
If your drain becomes clogged, try using a wet-dry vacuum instead of a plunger.  While the plunger may push the item deeper into the drain, a wet-dry vacuum can suck the object out.

Fix Small Leaks Promptly
Steady drips add up to money down the drain. Fix them quickly. A leaky faucet can waste up to eight gallons of water each day; a running toilet can waste nearly 200 gallons a day.

Check for Leaks
Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, check for leaks after every plumbing job by running water through the system and checking all valves and drains. Reseal and repair any leaks you encounter.