Plumbing Tips From the Pros

The trouble with home plumbing problems is that they have a way of sneaking up on you and often at the worst possible time. But is there ever a good time to experience a problem with your plumbing?

Here are a few handy tips that will help make your life a little easier:

1. Keep an Eye Out for Water Leaks

Small water leaks can and often do lead to big problems. Be alert to signs that more trouble may be on the way. Leaking faucets, damp cabinets, rocking toilets or dripping refrigerators are all symptoms that require fast and decisive action.

2. Repair Problems Early

A leaking faucet isn’t just annoying. The moisture puts wear on sink fixtures and encourages mold and mildew growth. Another way to spot a plumbing leak is to pull your refrigerator away from the wall at least once a month. If you see water, you may have a leaking icemaker. Also, small puddles could be worse than larger ones, as that can indicate that water is soaking into your floor.

3. Know How to Respond to Overflows

If water is gushing from your sink, toilet or anywhere else, locate your home’s main shut-off valve for the water supply. If it’s in a dark, hidden or hard-to-reach place, gather any tools you’ll need for a quick shut off and store them nearby. There’s nothing like the frustration of a missing flashlight or a misplaced shut-off key when water’s pouring down the stairs from a broken pipe.

4. Shutting Off Appliances

You should also know how to shut off the water to individual sinks, toilets, washing machines and other water-using appliances. Knowing how to shut off the water supply when there’s a problem can reduce the potential damage and take some of the sting out of your cleanup efforts.

5. Know Your Pipe Material

Know what material was used in constructing your pipes. If your home was built before 1970, you may have galvanized iron pipes that can eventually rust and corrode, causing the water pressure to drop and a brown tint to appear. When this happens, the pipes must be replaced by an experienced plumbing specialist.

6. Learn How to Tackle Small Problems

With a few tools and a little knowledge, most homeowners can learn how to handle small plumbing emergencies on their own. With a plunger, a pipe wrench and a sewer snake in your tool kit, you’ll be able to take care of small problems like clogged drains or blocked pipes.