Home Owners : You Should Know Those Things

Home Owners : You Should Know Those Things

Having to deal with a problem with the plumbing first thing in the morning is never a good thing. However, there are certain steps you can take to keep the fuss to a minimum. Here is a little plumbing information for home owners that could be useful.

Before anything else, it is important to learn where everything is; your water meter and your shut off valves most certainly. Should you have a failure, it's important to turn these off right away. Also make sure you have the right tools for the job.

It is good to stock on up on the fundamental tools you will need; wrenches, screwdrivers, curb keys and the like. Make sure they are placed somewhere safe and easy to get to. And ensure you remember where that place is; checking it regularly!

Research online; or head to a course somewhere to learn a few basic skills for maintenance; disassembling a faucet, replacing a washer, removing sink traps and the like. Most problems can be readily fixed in under five minutes; so no need to pay expensive call out charges.

Regular monitoring of the water pressure to your home will also be a good step to take. A pressure of around 80psi is what you are looking for; anything above this should be checked out to head off any possible leaks or breakages.

Taking a few proactive steps will also help with your plumbing maintenance. One of the most common causes is discarding fat, hair clippings and the like into the system. Dispose of such things in the trash.

However, taking these steps is not a guarantee that blockages will not occur; and soap scum alone can often cause a problem. Stock up on chemicals to flush away blockages; it is surprising how often this is all it takes.

Learning the basics tips and skills will also allow you to check your home system from time to time thorough the year. Try and give it a once over a couple of times a year to help notice any causes for concern in good time.

Watching your bill for sudden increases is often also a good way to be alerted to leaks. Another good tip is to turn the water off when away on vacation, particularly at winter; which will also help relieve stress causes.

There is a wealth of plumbing information for home owners online, and through other avenues, for particular problems you may face. Having covered the basics to alleviate any emergencies; it could well be worth familiarizing yourself with these lessons which could prove fruitful.



By Steve Schafer
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3488136

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4 Common Plumbing Problems For Home Owners - Read to know if you have any of them

Common Plumbing Problems

For most homeowners, any plumbing problem results in an immediate headache. Without proper training and knowledge in the field, most homeowners feel overwhelmed and frustrated by even the minor plumbing issue. Knowing some basic plumbing can help a homeowner save some time and money. Here's a look at four common plumbing problems homeowners face.

Leaking Faucets

A common annoyance that you will encounter at some point in your home is a leaky faucet. Washers located in the faucet will wear out and will allow for some water to leak through. This can result in anything from a slow drip to a constant trickle of water. Washers are easily replaceable and their lives can be extended by not turning off faucets with too much force.

Slow Or Clogged Drains

Drains are most often clogged by items that should not be going down your drains in the first place. The kitchen sink is the most used drain in your home and will be the one that gets clogged the most. Vegetable peelings, like potatoes and carrots for example, should not be put down the drain as they will eventually lead to clogs. Showers and bathroom sinks need to be continually monitored for hair, the most common form of blockage.

Leaking Or Clogged Toilets

A leaking toilet can cause serious damage if not repaired correctly. Water can get into your walls and floors and wreak havoc on your home. A leaking toilet can also add more than $100 to your water bill. A clogged toilet can be just as a big of a problem. Clogs can occur for several reasons and need to be addressed so that you can get the toilet back in action. Both leaks and clogs in your toilet can be fixed rather easily just use caution when doing do.

Garbage Disposal Won't Work

Another common plumbing problem is a garbage disposable that doesn't work. You turn the switch and nothing happens. If you hear a hum, your motor is working it just can't run because of an obstruction. Therefore, you need to find the obstruction and remove it. If the problem persists, you may need to call a professional. You can avoid your garbage disposal backing up by watching what you put into it. Things like banana peels and potato skins can stop your disposal almost immediately. Put those and like items into your regular garbage or some kind of compost if available.



By Viktoria Carella
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7745079

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