When you think about it, plumbing is one of the oldest types of engineering. It’s the reason why people have been building houses with indoor plumbing for over a hundred years. However, with so many different materials, processes and components involved, it’s not surprising that plumbing problems are not uncommon. In fact, it is estimated that about 50% of all new homes experience some sort of plumbing issue during the first year of occupancy. Anything from toilet backs up to a leaky faucet can leave you frustrated and feeling like you’ll never get to enjoy your new home without constant interruptions.Fortunately, there are some simple tips and tricks that can help you avoid these issues and prolong the life of your plumbing system as much as possible. Here are some of the most common plumbing advice from expert and everyday users alike:
Check your water shut-off
This may sound obvious, but it’t a mistake that many people forget. When you turn off the water at the main supply to your home, you also need to turn off the water to any individual fixtures. This is so you don’t accidentally run water in one part of your home and shut off the water to another part. You should also keep a bucket next to the supply shut-off in case of emergency. This is especially important for areas that experience freezing temperatures, like parts of the Midwest and Northeast. It will help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, which can be extremely costly to repair.
Keep water and toilet use consistent
This is another simple but important tip. Consistency is key when it comes to plumbing. For example, if you consistently use a toilet once per day, it’s better to flush once every other day or once a week. You’re less likely to develop a buildup of bacteria and germs that can lead to unpleasant smells and make other aspects of your home more expensive to clean. Likewise, you should also be consistent with how often you water your plants and garden. Anytime you change the frequency of your water usage, you increase the risk of developing costly plumbing issues.
Use the right tools for the job
It can be tempting to use the cheapest plunger or other tools when dealing with a clogged toilet. However, this can actually hurt your pipes and cause unnecessary wear and tear on your toilet and surrounding pipes. It can also leave you with a messy cleanup, which can be annoying and even dangerous if you have young children or pets in your home. Instead, it’s best to use the right tools for the job. For example, a snake is one of the best tools for tackling stubborn clogs in your sewer lines. Be sure to check your local code to make sure you have the right tools for the job.
Be mindful of your water usage
Finally, it’s important to consider your water usage when it comes to preventing plumbing issues. The more water you use, the more likely you are to develop issues like a leaking pipe or a faulty water heater. Similarly, the less you use, the less likely you are to develop issues. For example, if you have a large family and regularly run the washing machine, dishwasher, and other appliances, you may find that your pipes are strained. You can reduce your water usage by turning off the water while you’re brushing your teeth, taking a shower, or doing other activities that do not require water.
Make sure your drains are not clogged
This is another common issue, but one that is easy to fix. If your drains start to clog, you can use a plunger or a snake to unclog them. However, it’s best to do this before the buildup reaches a point where it creates a backup at your house. If you have a sump pump, you can even consider turning it on, though this should be done with caution.
Conclusion
To summarize, plumbing is an important part of any home, but it can also be a source of frustration and anxiety. Thankfully, there are a number of tips and tricks you can use to reduce these issues and make your plumbing system last as long as possible. These include checking your water shut-off, keeping water and toilet use consistent, using the right tools for the job, and being mindful of your water usage.