Buying a new home is an exciting and challenging journey with many things to do and learn. You will need to become familiar with your new home, including its electrical and plumbing systems. If things break down, you will need to be prepared to provide the necessary maintenance to return them to working order.
(Pixabay / EugenesDIYDen)
Here are a few important plumbing tips that may prove useful for your new home:
- Perform routine maintenance – Keeping up your plumbing system involves many things, such as flushing the sediment from the bottom of your water heater tank, checking for leaks in the pipes and faucets, cleaning your garbage disposal, cleaning out the intakes and drains of the washing machine and dishwasher, and tending to the floor drains in the kitchen and bathroom. Regular checkups will ensure that these items will perform properly and efficiently and help prevent costly repairs.
- Keep a basic tool kit – Plumbing problems can be solved or mitigated if you have some basic plumbing tools at home. Find out the kinds of pipes and fittings you have in your plumbing system and keep a small supply ready. Make sure to have a sink plunger, a drain snake, two adjustable wrenches, and a pipe wrench on hand. Learn how to fix leaks by using epoxy putty or a pipe repair clamp.
- Know where the main water valve is located – You will typically find the valve by the water meter. Call your utility company if you can’t locate it. You should also find the shut off valve leading to each water fixture in your home such as the toilet or sink. In case these fixtures start leaking, you don’t have to turn off the water supply to the entire house—just to the individual fixture.
- Keep your plumber’s number handy – In the event of burst pipes or some other plumbing emergency, you can immediately call your professional plumber. Time is of the essence when it comes to plumbing. Even a small delay could mean flooding and extensive damage to your house.
A little advance preparation can help ward off plumbing disasters and keep your new house in tip-top shape for years to come.