There are several different plumbing problems (such as leaky faucets and clogged drains) that most homeowners face. Learning the basics of plumbing can help you prevent and fix such common everyday issues, saving you a lot of money in the process. However, keep the contact information of your plumbing service provider at hand in case you cannot fix something yourself.
Tiger Plumbing provides plumbing services in Kitchener/Waterloo, Guelph and Cambridge. We have the knowledge and skills to provide efficient drain cleaning and basic plumbing repair services to all our clients.
Plumbing Basics
Knowing the essentials of plumbing is crucial to a comfortable and hygienic lifestyle. Keep in mind the following tips to always be ready for a situation:
• Know Where the Water Main is Located
The water main is the first point of access for water going into your house and is usually located in the basement. The shutoff valve on your water main is used to completely stop the flow of water into your home when you close it. If there is a burst pipe or you have to carry out plumbing work in your house, shutting off the water main is the first step to take.
• Remove Clogs Without Using Chemicals
Over time, hair and other debris can build up in your bathroom drain, slowing it down. Do not use chemical drain cleaners for slow drains as it can damage the plumbing infrastructure. You can either use a high-quality plunger or a drain snake to manually unclog the drain.
• Regularly Inspect Your Showerhead
You can use thread tape to fix a dripping showerhead. Detach the showerhead, apply new tape to it in a clockwise direction and re-attach it. In case the showerhead is clogged, soak it in warm water and vinegar for an hour. Then use a small brush to loosen any mineral deposits.
• Replace Parts Inside Your Toilet or Faucet
Worn flappers can be a common cause of leaks in the toilet tank and bowl. You can hardly make any mistake while trying to replace the flapper. Modern faucets can be repaired by replacing their cartridge with a new one, a very simple task as you have to remove only a screw or two. The next time you hear the toilet running or your sink dripping, get replacement parts to fix the issue yourself.
• Monitor the Water Pressure
You can use a pressure gauge or install a smart home water monitoring system to monitor the water pressure of your home at regular intervals. This helps you detect leaks and tracks your water usage. If you have high a water pressure in your home, install a pressure reducing valve.
• Inspect Your Water Heater Regularly
Check the thermostat of your water heater to ensure it is not set too high; it should not be more than 130 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also insulate your water heater's tank so the water remains hot for a longer time. If you live in a region where there is a greater chance of sedimentation occurring, remove the grit from your tank at least once every 3 months. Open the drain valve and drain into a bucket to remove the sediment from the bottom of the tank. This helps increase the efficiency of your water heater significantly
• Use Heat to Release Tough Water Pipe Fittings
Hardened galvanized fittings can be very difficult to release. If you are unable to loosen the pipe fitting using a pipe wrench, use a small propane torch to apply heat and loosen it up. Cover the nearby walls with heat-resistant material to protect them. Make sure there is no gas or plastic pipes around.
If you are looking for plumbing services in Waterloo, Tiger Plumbing can help. We can fix any problems with your faucets, toilets and drains. We have received awards from various organizations for our excellent services.
For tips on how to handle common plumbing issues, read our blog – How to Deal With Common Plumbing Issues.
For more information on the services we provide, contact us today!