There are some plumbing basics that plumber’s wish homeowners knew. They are not foreign ideas, but if you, as a homeowner, take heed, you may only need the services of a Hilton plumber occasionally.
The following tips are not entirely for plumbers, and that’s why you need to know them. They are…
Tightening
It’s in our nature to tighten any leaking connection though that’s a mistake. By over-tightening, you could damage the thread and rubber seals. Instead, pull to finger tight, then turn using pliers to about one-eighth of a turn. If no change takes place, call for professional assistance from same day trades.
Locate your Central Shut Off Valve
As soon as you move into a new home, ensure you know the main valve‘s location. For homes with a crawlspace, it should be on the wall at the front end.
Homes with a concrete slab, check valve under the sink, next to the water heater, or in the garage. If you cannot locate it inside, then check outside. Look for a cover with a round or rectangular shape on the ground. Regarding where your valve is, you may need particular tools to get access.
Keep the tools in an easy-to-remember location where you can easily access them in case of an emergency.
Master How to Use Teflon Tape
It’s also called plumber’s tape and is used to create water-tight seals between pipe connections among other simple plumbing basics. Use the following steps while using:
— Remove any dirt on the thread and work from the second thread from the end.
— Direct the tape in the same direction as the threads.
— Keep the thread flat and not tangled for easier wrapping.
— Be consistent with the tension on the tape to ensure uniformity and proper fitting.
— Wrap towards the end of the pipe and ensure the tape overlaps.
Make sure you use the right kind of tape. Different pipes, such as gas or water, have individual tapes which vary through colours.
Differentiate Plungers and Use Correctly
There are different plungers for various tasks. A sink and toilet plunger have a unique difference, and none should replace the other. While unclogging using a plunger, pour some dishwashing detergent and hot water, then let it sit for a while. Get a jelly and apply on the rim to make it hold effectively.
However, if this doesn’t work, as same-day trades advice, to not use caustic cleaners. They are harmful to waterways and also corrode your pipes, leaving you with extensive damage.
Avoid Pouring Oils Down the Drain
Do not pour grease and oils down the sink or through the garbage disposal. Eventually, they solidify and cause clogs in your drainage system. Same day trades recommend you pour dirty oil and grease in coffee cups, then dispose of it in the bin.
These fat clogs can grow to the size of a Volkswagen. In this state, they are known as fatbergs and are very expensive to clean out.
Know What’s Behind the Wall
This is one of those plumbing basics that are critically important. Get a scanner to show what’s behind a wall before drilling. If you accidentally drill into a water pipe, you can imagine the mess, though it’s way too dangerous if it’s a gas tube.
Do not over tighten fixtures, locate your main shutoff valve, avoid pouring oils down the drain, differentiate between plungers, know how to use Teflon tape, and scan what’s behind the wall before drilling. These are points that plumbers wish their clients knew.
