Maintaining a small home is the same as one that is of regular size. You want to make sure everything is running smoothly, especially your plumbing. This guide will cover five tips that you need to know about maintaining your small home’s plumbing system.
Yes, issues can arise whenever they can. It may also require the services of a professional, if needed. Nonetheless, it is important to follow these tips to catch any small issues before they wreak havoc on your entire plumbing system. Let’s take a look now at the following on the list.
- Know your plumbing system
This is perhaps the most important tip of them all. So it might as well be the first on the list to kick things off. You want to know your plumbing system or at least the basic layout of it.
Meaning you need to know where the main water shut-off valve is. It should be located near your water meter or near the entrance of the main water line (specifically where it enters your home). You should also know where the shut-off valves are for all the plumbing fixtures.
This way, you’ll know exactly what to do whenever you have a plumbing emergency. If you reside in the Marietta, GA area, it would help to enlist the help of a professional. Marietta plumbers have done it all and seen it all in houses of almost every size.
You don’t need to be a plumbing expert in order to get to know your plumbing system. But you should know just enough to know what to do whenever a problem arises. Find out where your pipes are and where they run through.
This way, when it comes time to inspect your pipes for any potential leaks you’ll know exactly where they are.
- Prevent clogs from happening
Clogged drains can be a dreadful thing. They can also be a preventable thing as well. That’s because there are different types of debris that can be sent down the drain including hair, soap scum, and different types of debris.
Let’s not forget food particles too. If they sit in your pipes long enough, it can make quite a stink. So what are some preventable measures that you need to take?
The no-brainer answer is to dispose of any discarded food properly in the trash. Your sink isn’t a trash can. Neither is your toilet either.
Speaking of your toilet, avoid flushing paper towels or foreign objects down the toilet. Dispose of them properly in the trash. Oil and grease is a no-go either as it can harden and create blockages too – so dispose of them properly.
As for hair and other debris, you can install drain strainers so they can easily catch these small pieces and prevent them from going down the drain. If you invest in good quality, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you won’t have to deal with clogs and water backup.
- Deal with a clogged drain
Let’s say if it’s too little too late for preventative measures – not to worry. You may be able to deal with the issue accordingly on your own. One way to do this is to use a handy plunger to knock out any minor clogs.
Make sure you place the plunger over the drain and seal it tight. Afterwards, push it firmly a few times. This should be enough for minor clogs.
However, challenging clogs will require a little more than the plunger. You may need a mix of baking soda and vinegar to get the job done. Once you pour a cup of the mixture down the drain, you will need to let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
After this, flush with hot water. This should take care of the clog. Once that’s all said and done, we highly suggest that you follow the preventative measures we’ve mentioned in the previous tip.
If the clog is still a problem, a friendly reminder that Marietta plumbers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to get rid of it for you. Sometimes, the professionals are the best option for the most stubborn clogs out there.
Also Read: Detrimental Effects of Clogged Drains
- If you got a leaky faucet, fix it promptly
Leaky faucets tend to drip. It can make that annoying dripping noise. You might think that it’s no big deal because of a small amount of water.
But we can only imagine your surprise the day the water bill comes around. And it’s higher than normal. That’s because that leaky faucet is causing water waste.
The problem is that your faucet may have a worn out o-ring or washer. That’s when you need to shut off the water supply of the affected fixture and replace the o-ring or washer accordingly. There are plenty of tutorials on how to do that.
- Know when to call the professionals
Small plumbing homes in your small home is one thing. But if you have a real problem on your hands, doing it yourself will be a challenge. That’s why calling Marietta plumbers that are experienced and highly trained will be your best option.
If you are dealing with extensive pipe damage, problems with the main water line, or need complex installations done, that’s when you call the professionals. Let them know what you’re dealing with and they’ll have the solution done for you – all in the same day.
Final Thoughts
Your small home’s plumbing system should be treated the same as any other home plumbing system. It is important to know the basic locations of water valves and your piping system. Furthermore, you need to check your pipes on a regular basis and prevent clogs and other serious issues from occurring.
Remember that if you run into any issues, you can fix them yourself if they are minor. But the complex plumbing problems will require professional solutions. If that’s what you need for your small home plumbing system in Marietta or the surrounding areas , let BDS Plumbing Solutions Inc. help you out today.