Many homeowners simply don’t have the knowledge or skills needed to deal with plumbing issues. It’s a common trope that the man of the house is the handy one, but this isn’t always the case. Here are some simple plumbing tips for brand new homeowners.
Look for the Water Main
At some point, you will need to be able to turn off your home’s water supply. Whenever a pipe bursts or leaks, it could lead to a flood in your basement or in one of the other rooms. As soon as you know where the water main is, keep it in mind. You might have to write yourself a note or put a reminder on your phone – whatever works. Most of the time, it should be in the bathroom.
Avoid Clogging the Drain
Another good piece of advice is this: don’t clog the drain. However, we know that this is easier said than done. Grease, oil, and fats are not substances that you can put down the drain. Even though they are hot now, once they cool they will only block up the pipes, and you don’t want that to happen!
Pick the Right Plunger
Pick the right plunger for the job. Many homeowners don’t realize this, but there actually multiple types of plungers. Toilets and sinks demand different plungers, so don’t fall for the trap of thinking that one size fits all! For sinks and tubs, use a cup plunger. If you’re going to unclog the toilet, then that’s a different story. Here is where you will need to use a flange plunger instead.
Don’t Overheat the Water
Finally, don’t overheat the water. This piece of advice is something else that is easier said than done, since the mornings in late winter are still pretty chilly. Take a closer look at your water heater and your water meter. Both can track your usage and the temperature of the water. Avoid burning yourself by using warm water and not super hot water, even if you think the water temperature and pressure is unstable and not up to your liking.
All of Your Plumbing Needs from Master Plumbing
Give Master Plumbing a call at (301) 650-9100 or contact us online to get more information on how our expert plumbers can help you with your dripping faucet (or just about anything else plumbing related!). We have received Angie’s List Super Service Award recognition for plumbing and drain cleaning every year since 2007, in addition to the Best Plumber award from Best of Bethesda. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and our service is unparalleled. Give us a call today—you won’t regret it! To see examples of our projects, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.