A Simple Plumbing Guide for New Homeowners

Mar 1

All homeowners should pay attention to their plumbing to ensure that the water and waste system are functioning correctly. Early detection can help prevent leaks, clogs, and other issues that can cause damage to the home and lead to costly repairs. Furthermore, regular maintenance can help extend the lifespan of plumbing fixtures and appliances, saving money in the long run.

Here's a simple guide for new homeowners on basic plumbing tasks:

Inspect the plumbing system

A plumbing system includes pipes, fittings, fixtures, and drainage. Therefore, a thorough inspection of the entire plumbing system is crucial before taking any actions to prevent unnecessary or inaccurate repairs.

It is okay to seek professional assistance if this feels too difficult to handle alone. Use this opportunity to learn from the experts.

Recognize water leak symptoms

Water leaks can lead to significant problems if they are not detected and addressed immediately. It just takes a small pipe leak to severely damage ceilings, walls, carpets, or hardwood floors. A leak can also promote mold growth, creating various health issues. In the worst case, it has the potential to inflict structural damage.

Some signs of a water leak include the following:

Wet spots on walls, ceilings, or floors
Stains on walls or ceilings
A musty smell
Low water pressure
A steady drip from a faucet
The sound of running water when no water is in use
Mold or mildew growth
Unusually high water bills

Unclog the drains

Hair, soap, debris, and oil can clog drains. Drain clogs are some of the most typical problems that a plunger can quickly resolve. Place the plunger over the drain and push down firmly and repeatedly. If the clog is not cleared, try using a drain snake or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Most hardware stores carry simple manual drain snakes that can resolve shallower clogs. However, a professional service can clear the drains more effectively in the case of more extensive issues.

Keep any dirt from accumulating in the drains by cleaning them frequently. Clogged drains are unpleasant, and prevention is always preferable to treatment.

Learn how to fix a leaky faucet

A leaky faucet wastes significant water and money. Feel free to replace it if there is a leakage problem. Here's how to fix it:

Turn off the faucet's water supply.
Remove the handle and the stem.
Replace the washer or O-ring.
Reassemble the faucet.
Turn the water supply back on.

Learn how to change a toilet flapper

The toilet flapper will wear out over time and will need replacement. In addition, one may need to replace the flapper if the toilet runs constantly or doesn't flush properly.

Follow these steps to replace the toilet flapper:

Cut off the toilet's water supply.
Flush the toilet to empty the tank.
Remove the old flapper.
Take the flapper to a hardware store to ensure the replacement will fit.
Replace it with the new one and turn the water supply back on.

Identify the primary valve location

In case of a leak or other emergencies, closing the main valve stops the water supply and prevents further damage. It is also helpful for maintenance purposes, such as when certain parts of the plumbing system need fixing or replacements. If the valve is old, review it periodically to ensure it functions properly.

Safeguard the plumbing

It is always better for homeowners to have basic plumbing know-how. It saves time and money by not relying on emergency plumbing services for simple issues. But you need to know your capacity when it comes to repairs. Avoid letting a minor issue turn into a major one.

Hiring a reputable plumber is the safest option to address any plumbing problems, especially for new homeowners.

If you need a licensed, bonded, insured plumber for your Phoenix area leak or your next plumbing project, call MNS Plumbing today at 602-362-4524.

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