Being a homeowner comes with a lot of responsibility and an even longer list of things you should know about your house, especially your plumbing system. But most homeowners learn the parts of their plumbing system the hard way — when things fail and they’re left with a plumbing catastrophe on their hands.
To prevent that, At Home Pros has compiled a list of the things you should know about your home’s plumbing system.
Where the water cut-off valve is.
Whether you need to replace a sink or have a water emergency, you must know where the water cut-off valve is. In some cases the shut-off valve may be in a basement utility closet or be located outside, along the side of the house. Wherever it is located, be sure to hang a brightly colored tag with the words “Shut Off Valve” on it so you can easily find it later.
Never puncture pipes.
This may go without saying, but puncturing pipes is never a good idea. However, many homeowners accidentally drill holes into walls, without considering where the waterline may be running. Puncturing a water line will be a huge and costly mistake.
Use Caution
A leak — no matter its size — is important to investigate because they are usually the first sign of trouble.
Too much toilet paper can be a problem.
Just because something is flushable doesn’t mean that it can’t clog up the toilet or your pipes. That’s why it is helpful to get your pipes flushed every 18 months to move along any debris that may be accumulating.
Be careful what you put in the garbage disposal.
The best way to prevent future sink clogs is to restrict what you put in the garbage disposal. Simply avoiding grease, vegetable peelings and coffee grounds — and not putting them down the disposal — can keep your pipes clear and healthy.
Don’t ever ignore a leak.
A leak — no matter its size — is important to investigate because they are usually the first sign of trouble. Looking out for water damage or mold growth can also be a great indicator that something could be wrong with your pipes or your plumbing system.
This is just a small sample of what homeowners should know about their plumbing system. And, if all else fails, there are licensed and insured plumbing contractors who are ready to assist in any way they can.