5 Useful Plumbing Tips and Tricks Everyone Should Know

Most homeowners don’t give much thought to their plumbing systems until there’s a problem. Yet, just like any other form of upkeep, plumbing requires that you be familiar with the fundamentals and practice preventative care. Doing otherwise could lead to serious complications. Here are some helpful plumbing tips and tricks that can help keep things running smoothly in your home.

Address Leaky Pipes

A fixture’s steady drip, drip, drip represents money going down the drain. A leaky faucet can waste up to eight gallons of water daily, whereas a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons daily. Repair minor leaks as soon as possible before they become significant—and costly—issues. Check for leaks after every plumbing project by running water through the system and opening and closing all valves and drains.

Know What To Put Down Drains

Be very careful about what pours down the drain in the bathroom and the kitchen. Avoid having to deal with clogged pipes by not putting coffee grounds, grease, and food scraps through your garbage disposal. The bathroom is not a trash can, so don’t treat it like one. Putting anything (even “flushable” wipes) in the toilet other than toilet paper will cause clogs and expensive plumbing repairs.

Take the Plunge

A high-quality plunger can clear clogs in toilets, sinks, and drains. Before removing a drain trap, use the plunger to push out most of the water—this will make your job less wet and messy. Once the plunger is in place, pump it up and down to create a vacuum that will pull the clog out of the drain. Avoid using chemical cleaners in your toilet or sink. These products can be very harsh and may cause damage to your pipes.

Don’t Over Tighten Fittings

If you intend to do more straightforward plumbing work, such as clearing out the sink trap, be careful not to overtighten the fittings and connections. Adhere to the rule of “hand-tight is just right” Tightening plumbing connections with a wrench increases the risk of bending or snapping bolts, cracking pipes or porcelain, and stripping screws.

Locate Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

It may be necessary to shut off the water to the entire house rather than just one room in the event of an emergency or if the sewage lines need to be cleaned. Finding the location of the main water shut-off valve ahead of time can prevent future plumbing problems. All homes have the main water valve located outside the house near the street. Contact a professional plumber or your local utility company for assistance if you cannot find it.

The Bottom Line

If you want to ensure your home’s plumbing is in good working order, follow these tips—and if ever you have a plumbing emergency, call New Flow Plumbing immediately. We’re available 24/7 and will be there to help you. Our expert technicians are trained to handle any plumbing problem quickly and efficiently. We offer a full line of plumbing services, including sewer line repair and replacement, drain cleaning and repair, and much more.