Plumbing Tips For New Homeowners
New homeowners are often excited about a DIY project, but it’s important to know your limits. General plumbing tasks can be dangerous if not done correctly.
Clogged drains, low water pressure and leaky toilets are frustrating to deal with. Fortunately, there are some easy tips every homeowner should know, how to Fix your tap.
Drains
Drains are vitally important to the environment, removing waste and helping prevent complications like infection. However, they can be a pain when they are not properly maintained. If a drain becomes clogged or occluded it can contribute to fluid retention and if it is no longer providing any benefit it should be removed.
To keep your drains flowing smoothly you should regularly clean pop-up stoppers, run hot water down them after each use and use a natural drain cleaner (baking soda followed by vinegar) monthly. You should also keep a plunger handy to deal with minor clogs. If you notice that a drain is smelling bad or becoming more clogged than usual talk to your doctor, they can decide whether it is time to remove it. They may even be able to tell you if it is because of something you have been doing and can offer advice on how to fix it.
Toilets
The toilet is one of the most important fixtures in any home. It provides a safe place to relieve yourself and prevents fecal waste from contaminating waterways, groundwater and drinking water supplies.
In the past, people did their business on stone benches or squat loos in latrines, but modern toilets allow you to sit down and be more comfortable while doing your business. Some toilets can also provide bidet functionality, which is becoming increasingly popular.
A toilet can be a real eye-catcher in your bathroom, with the choice of many different styles and colors. The classic white is available from most manufacturers and matches well with other fixtures in the same color. However, if you’re planning a bathroom remodel you might want to choose a specialty color that will stand out. Just be aware that colored toilets are often a special order and can take days to weeks to get in stock. They can also be prone to stains and color variations.
Sinks
The type of sink you choose can affect the environment in your home, for instance, copper sinks have essential antimicrobial properties that kill harmful bacteria that would otherwise thrive in the sink. These sinks are also durable and visually appealing and come in a variety of different styles.
When gunk gets stuck in the P-trap (the curved section of pipe under your sink) it can cause your drain to back up. To prevent this, put a bucket underneath the drain before you open it and then clear out any hair, soap scum, or grease that has built up in the trap. You can then replace the trap and test it by running water down the drain.
Another plumbing tip for sinks is to run hot water through them a few times a week to eliminate fumes and reduce the chance of a line drying up. This will also help keep your faucets clean and shiny.
Water Heaters
Water heaters are an important part of your home’s plumbing system. They provide hot water for dishwashers, clothes washers, showers, tubs, and sinks. They are located in the basement or garage and are either electric or gas. Gas water heaters are more energy efficient than electric water heaters. Anthony PHC plumbers can help you decide which type of water heater is best for your home. They can also help you install a new water heater or repair your existing one. To shut off your water heater pull the T+P valve this is a spring loaded lever on the side of your water heater aproximately 3/4 of the way up. After you shut off the water heater make sure to turn off your electricity or gas.