When you build that dream house of yours, you try and get the best. Everything is well researched and you make sure of the quality, yet make it economical. The same goes for the plumbing of the house. Quite frankly, the plumbing is like the backbone of the house. Without a good and qualitative plumbing system, you would have continuous problems with your basic water supply or worse – leakages. Having said that, it is not enough to only get quality, you need to make sure your plumbing is well maintained too. Some very simple steps taken on your part can save you from expensive plumbing repairs.
 Plumbing |
Cooking Grease
We suggest that you do not pour your cooking grease down the drain. It cools and as it goes down the drain, it hardens. It is one of the main reasons which lead to a clogged kitchen drain. The best would be to maybe pour it into a milk can or juice can that needs to be discarded and throw it in the garbage. Also, your garbage disposal needs to be regularly maintained, so it doesn’t get clogged.
Drain Screens
Plastic or metal drain screens can be used in the bathtub, kitchen sink as well as shower so that food particles, hair, or other small jewelry, etc., do not get washed into the drain and create blockages in the plumbing system. Most drains have built-in stoppers. You could still double up with an inexpensive plastic screen. That way, your cleaning process also gets hassle-free.
Home remedies
There are simple home remedies even for your drains. You do not have to buy toxic or inexpensive drain openers. You could just pour in say about a quarter cup of baking soda down your sink and drains, followed by some warm water. After that, pour in a cup of white vinegar. This is best done before you go to bed. When you get up in the morning, just flush out the drains with some hot water. If you try and do this every month, it will really keep your entire plumbing system clean smelling, and clog-free. Also, this is a safe way and does not harm your pipes in any way.
Washers
To close the water, we tend to tighten the faucet handles. Please remember – do not crank faucet handles too forcefully. This only wears the washers sooner and leads to faster leaks.
Washing machine
When it comes to the washing machine, it would be best that you install hose screens for the hot as well as cold hoses. That way, no sediment would get through and clog the machine’s valves or pumps. Also, you can maybe check the screens regularly and replace them if required.
Repair
Keep an eye out for any leakages. Do not ignore them till they get out of hand. It would only create moisture and encourage mold or mildew. Also, you should have basic knowledge about pipes and plumbing. E.g. what material they are made of and their age, etc.
Shut off valve
You should know where your home’s main shut-off valve is and how to shut it off in the case of an emergency. You should also know how to shut off the valves to individual machines or sinks. This kind of basic information can only help you.
Most problems can be solved with a little knowledge, a simple wrench, a plunger or a sewer snake. But it is also best that you realize that not everything can be a DIY project. Know when to call your plumber or a well-known plumbing company and avoid expensive repairs. Make sure you have done your homework and have the details of a good plumber in your phone book. You never know when you might need it.
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