Does your plumbing emergencies happen when you least expect it? Every homeowner and renter need to know this list of plumbing tips so you can avoid a complete plumbing catastrophe.

1. Main Shut-Off Valve

Every homeowner should know the location of the main shut-off valve and how to operate it. By turning this valve off, you will be able to prevent water damage from happening if there is ever a leak in your system. The water should also be turned off before any major plumbing repairs are made, just in case anything goes wrong.

2. Don’t Puncture Pipes

Are you planning to drill holes or hammer nails into your walls, floors, or ceiling? Determine first if there are any pipes behind your work area since you don’t want to accidentally puncture these pipes. 

3. Find Out What’s Flushable

Homeowners should not use their toilet as a trash can since flushing anything, except toilet paper, can lead to clogged toilets or drains. Even “flushable” baby wipes can back up your plumbing system!

4. Don’t Put Garbage Down the Drain

Never dump coffee grounds, food debris, bacon grease, vegetable peelings, or starchy foods like rice or potatoes down your kitchen sink, as they will certainly clog your pipes directly. 

5. Take the Plunge

Invest in a high-quality plunger, plumber’s friend, to clear clogs in toilets, sinks, and drains when it occurs. If you are planning to clean your sink traps, use a plunger to push most of the water out before removing the trap. The job will be a lot less wet and messy in your kitchen.

6. Pull Out the Vacuum

When you’re trying to remove a clog caused by a small, hard object, such as a child’s toy, toothbrush, or comb, rely on a wet-dry vacuum. It is more effective to suck the object out.

7. Never Ignore Leaks

Fix immediately even the small leaks promptly before they cost you more trouble and money.

8. Never Oven-Tighten Fittings

A common do-it-yourself plumbing mistake is over-tightening the fittings and connections, which leads to broken bolts and screws. 

9. Invest in Plumber’s Tape

Plumber’s tape, or also called Teflon tape, is used to seal pipe threads to prevent leaks around hinges and fittings. You should typically wrap Teflon tape three times around the pipe threads before sealing it. 

10. Always Check for Leaks

After every plumbing project, check for leaks by running water through your plumbing system, then opening and closing all valves and drains at the same time. Even professional plumbers may miss a small leak. So it is always best to check for any leaks after the service to ensure everything is perfect.

Plumbing Basic

With the right knowledge, you can be your first responder for any basic plumbing issues you may encounter. It is important for every person to be properly prepared and to know what to do during a plumbing emergency. 

For a reliable, efficient, and prompt plumber, contact South Park Plumbers today! Whether you need plumbing repair and replacement, and other services, we are always here available any time you need us.