10 Plumbing Advice Everybody Should Know

Know The Position of Shutoff Valves

Before you move into a new home, consider the location of the main shutoff valve and drain (in some cases, the shutoff will be located outside the home). You should also know the access points to the sewer line, in case you need to do periodic cleaning.

Do Not Pierce The Pipes

Thinking of drilling or hammering nails into the walls, floor or ceiling? Determine if there are any supply or drainage pipes behind your work area first, as you don't want to accidentally puncture them. An cheap stud finder could be able to help you detect pipelines hidden behind walls.

Find Out What Is Washable

Homeowners should not use their toilet as a trash can, as flushing anything other than toilet paper causes unsightly clogs. Even "washable" baby wipes can support your system!

Don't Throw Waste Down The Drain

Never pour coffee grounds, food scraps, bacon grease, vegetable skins, or starchy foods like rice or potatoes down the kitchen drain; they will almost certainly clog the pipes. It's also smart to read the manufacturer's manual for waste disposal to find out exactly what the unit can handle.

Take A Dip

Invest in a good plunger to unclog obstructions in drains, sinks, and toilets. If you are going to clean sink traps, use a plunger to remove most of the water before removing the trap. Homework will be much less wet and messy.

Take out The Vacuum Cleaner

When trying to clear a clog caused by a small, hard object (such as a toy, toothbrush, or child's comb), rely on a wet/dry vacuum. It is more effective to vacuum the object. A plunger will only push it deeper into the drain, making it harder to remove

Don't Ignore Losses

That constant drip, drip, drip from an appliance symbolizes money going down the drain. In fact, a leaky faucet typically wastes up to eight gallons of water per day, while a running bathroom can waste 200 gallons per day. Quickly fix small leaks before they become big, costly problems.

Never Over-Tighten Accessories

A common DIY plumbing mistake is over-tightening fittings and connections, leading to broken bolts and stripped screws. The saying "a tight hand is the right thing to do" comes to mind.

Make Friends With The Plumber's Tape

Plumber's tape (also called Teflon tape) is used to seal pipe threads and prevent leaks around joints and fittings. Typically, you should wrap plumber's tape three times around the pipe threads before sealing.

Always Check For Leaks

After each plumbing project, check for leaks by running water through the system and then opening and closing all valves and drains. Even professional plumbers can miss a small leak and need to reseal a connection.

Find A Trusted Plumbing Repair Professional to Keep on Hand

If any of these 10 Advice occur, contact a professional Plumbing technician. Trying to manage repairs yourself can incur unnecessary costs if something goes wrong.