Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners

Plumbing Tips for New Homeowners

Many homeowners simply don’t have the knowledge or skills needed to deal with plumbing issues. It’s a common trope that the man of the house is the handy one, but this isn’t always the case. Here are some simple plumbing tips for brand new homeowners.

Look for the Water Main

At some point, you will need to be able to turn off your home’s water supply. Whenever a pipe bursts or leaks, it could lead to a flood in your basement or in one of the other rooms. As soon as you know where the water main is, keep it in mind. You might have to write yourself a note or put a reminder on your phone – whatever works. If your home has a basement or crawlspace, the shut off valve is probably located on a wall near the front of your house. If your home is built on a slab, check in the garage or near the water heater for the shut off valve.

Avoid Clogging the Drain

Another good piece of advice is this: don’t clog the drain. However, we know that this is easier said than done. Grease, oil, and fats are not substances that you can put down the drain. Even though they are hot now, once they cool they will only block up the pipes, and you don’t want that to happen!

Pick the Right Plunger

Pick the right plunger for the job. Many homeowners don’t realize this, but there actually multiple types of plungers. Toilets and sinks demand different plungers, so don’t fall for the trap of thinking that one size fits all! For sinks and tubs, use a cup plunger. If you’re going to unclog the toilet, then that’s a different story. Here is where you will need to use a flange plunger instead.

Don’t Overheat the Water

Finally, don’t overheat the water. This piece of advice is something else that is easier said than done, since the mornings in late winter are still pretty chilly. Take a closer look at your water heater and your water meter. Both can track your usage and the temperature of the water. Avoid burning yourself by using warm water and not super hot water, even if you think the water temperature and pressure is unstable and not up to your liking.

All of Your Plumbing Needs from I&C Mechanical

If you want to enjoy your summer but still have some plumbing issues, let I&C Mechanical help. Our expert plumbers will be able to help you meet your plumbing needs while still enjoying the summer sun. Contact us today to find out about our services in Greater Boston area.

Write a Comment

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.