There's nothing like the feeling of signing on the dotted line, and becoming a homeowner for the first time. You're so excited and happy about your new move, that you forget about your new plumbing. Fortunately, it's still relatively easy to stay on top of. Here are six great tips to help:
Six New Homeowner Plumbing Tips
- Not gone, just down the drain: When dense items, such as a ring, go down the drain, they're usually not gone forever. Immediately shut off the water, then open the P trap underneath the sink or tub with a bowl or bucket underneath to catch the extra water. You'll almost always finds the item in this location.
- For when it doesn't go down the drain: Clogged drains can be broken up in a number of ways, and chemical treatments should be your last step. Start by using a drai
n or stool plunger (there are differences between these two common tools), then proceed to a drain snake and then add chemical drain cleaners only as a last resort before calling the plumber. - Water heater blues. If there's no hot water and no reasonable explanation, like a teenager taking a long shower, then there are very few things it can be. The water heater either isn't getting the water through the system due to pipe issues, or the power or gas isn't reaching it, or the water heater itself has failed.
- If it doesn't belong, don't flush it: The only thing that should go down your toilet drain is toilet paper and human waste. Similarly, only the appropriate foods would go down your kitchen garbage disposal. Putting other items into the system can quickly create a nasty and smelly clog that is a pain to remove.
- Keep the water flowing: If you have concerns about frozen pipes, start by insulating or adding heat-tape to your pipes. During very cold weather, keep your faucets dripping and make sure the cabinets beneath the sink are left open to allow warmer air to heat the cavity. If your pipes do freeze, leave the faucet valve open to prevent broken pipes as the pipes thaw.
- Stay on top of leaks: Leaking appliances and fixtures can cost thousands of gallons of water and hundreds of dollars every year, not to mention water damage if the water is leaving a pipe. As soon as you notice a leak, take care of it.
If you keep these tips in mind, you'll find it's easy to deal with most plumbing issues quickly and effectively. If you discover that you're having problems you can't handle on your own, Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Pittsburgh's top plumbers can help get things back on track. Contact us today for more information.