Congratulations! You’re now a proud owner of a new house. The excitement and joy of having a personal abode show on your face as you make use of the property to its full potential. However, don’t let the excitement cloud your better judgment as you still need to understand the different responsibilities of being a new homeowner.
One responsibility to always keep in mind is maintaining the house’s plumbing. Failure to keep pipes, toilets, and other plumbing components in top shape can lead to disastrous situations. So, here are four plumbing tips for new homeowners you should always keep in mind:
Call The Professionals
Hiring a plumber Fairfax Station VA can help you save effort, money, and time to maintain and repair different plumbing components in your home. Professional plumbers may offer different services to repair different issues, like:
- Toilet clogging
- Sewer blockage
- Frozen pipes
- Overflowing cisterns
- Poor water pressure
Still, it doesn’t mean you should hire just any plumbing company you stumble upon. Consider thinking about some essential factors before using professional plumbers’ help.
For instance, aim to search and select a reputable plumbing company that can show you valid credentials. Ask your friends, relatives, and new neighbors for recommendations. Otherwise, research online and offline directories for trustworthy plumbers in your area.
Don’t be hasty in choosing technicians in the industry. Some firms might not have the necessary expertise to handle your specific plumbing problems. Ensure that you gain the help of certified and experienced professionals to help you gain value from their services.
Have The Right Tools
Some plumbing concerns might not need the help of certified professionals in the industry. For example, you can complete simple maintenance jobs around the house using do-it-yourself (DIY) techniques.
Don’t expect to complete several minor and major plumbing maintenance and repair jobs without the necessary tools. As a new homeowner, you need the correct equipment to tighten pipes and solve minor water leaks, to name a few common household issues.
Some of the tools you need are plungers, drain snakes, and wrenches. Among the different equipment you’ll need, plungers tend to be an invaluable yet inexpensive tool to have in any home. You can fix different issues with them, ranging from clogged toilets to shower drains.
But, pipe clogs might not be the only issue you’ll come across in your new home. If you encounter sinks or showers not draining properly, you should use a drain snake. Also called the plumber’s snake, this tool is a flexible auger to help you dislodge clogs.
Aside from plungers and drain snakes, don’t forget about wrenches. Many homeowners have at least one basin or pipe wrench in their abodes. The basin wrench has a long handle with jaws at its end. Use this tool to tighten or remove the faucet and fill valve lock nuts. Conversely, a pipe wrench is a heavy-duty tool ideal for gripping and turning pipes.
Other plumbing tools that you may consider acquiring are rubber gloves, slip-joint pliers, thread seal tapes, and tape measures.
Unclog A Drain
You can’t use the plumbing tools in your home if you don’t know how to use them properly. Thus, you must understand some relatively common issues you’ll encounter in your new home. One of these scenarios is the clogged drain.
Perhaps, one of the most apparent signs of a clogged drain is slow-draining water. Other indications may include foul smells and awkward sounds coming from the pipes.
As mentioned above, a trusty plunger can help save you from several plumbing problems, including clogged drains. So, start using the plunger to help you unclog drains. Ensure to remove the drain cover before using the plunger to gain the best results.
But, sometimes, the plunger alone won’t complete the job. Instead, consider using a chemical drainer to help remove the pesky blockage. Ensure that you’re wearing high-quality gloves when handling these solutions as many chemical drainers tend to be harsh on the skin.
Also, don’t wait until your drains become clogged before attempting to fix them. Keep in mind that prevention is, still, better than cure, and that notion tends to be correct for various plumbing concerns.
Maintain your drains and pipes regularly to reduce the risks of drains getting blocked. You may not need harsh chemical cleaners to help maintain your home’s plumbing system. Instead, you can use a quick DIY solution for that concern.
Start by mixing ¼ cup table salt with ½ cup baking soda. Pour the solution in the drain. Next, pour one cup of heated vinegar, and you should see the drain bubble and foam. This scenario is normal, so there’s no cause for alarm.
Let the solution stay in the drain for about 15 minutes. The last step is to run hot tap water for approximately 15 to 30 seconds to remove the mixture. Do this DIY technique for the different drains in your house.
Fix Leaks
Another plumbing skill to learn as a new homeowner is fixing leaks. Failure to repair leaks can aggravate the problem. Moreover, you’re going to see a significant spike in your water bill by the month’s end.
Avoid ‘breaking the bank’ when paying your utility bills by ensuring that the pipes and joints in your plumbing system remain tight.
Tightening leaky pipes doesn’t require you to have a rocket science degree. First, shut off the main water valve near the offending leak. For example, you should see a valve next to a toilet if the pipe near the fixture has a leakage.
Next, use a repair clamp so you won’t twist or turn other components. Ensure to follow the instructions indicated in that tool, particularly if you’re a beginner. Once the clamp is secure, twist the offending pipe or joint with a wrench.
Remember, don’t overturn the pipe. Otherwise, you risk damaging the component, causing more plumbing problems than intended.
The Bottom Line
Some new homeowners might feel challenged or troubled by the different responsibilities in plumbing maintenance and repair. You can call professionals in the industry if you feel that experts can do a better job than you. Otherwise, consider learning how to remedy some common plumbing issues, such as fixing leaks and removing drain clogs.
