Your plumbing is the hardest working system in your house. Neglect can lead to costly repairs, structural damage and big problems with mold. The good news is that with just some basic knowledge and a little invested time, you can prevent the majority of plumbing disasters. Here are some tips and tricks for protecting your Plumbing Fixtures in Passaic County, NJ.
Inspect your toilet for leaks.
A leaky toilet will cost you big on your water bill, and chances are you won’t even know it’s leaking. Periodically check by placing several drops of food coloring in the tank. If the water in the bowl is showing signs of dye after an hour, there’s a leak that needs to be taken care of.
Use drain screens.
A drain screen is a simple little item that fits snugly in your drain and stops food, jewelry, hair and other objects from getting into your plumbing and causing you problems. While most sinks have traps (a bend in the pipe that traps small objects and prevents sewer smells from escaping the drain), cleaning food and debris out of a drain screen is infinitely easier that cleaning the trap.
Winterize your outdoor fixtures.
To prevent frozen and burst pipes, turn off the water to your outdoor fixtures and disconnect all hoses. Also, insulate any exposed pipes, such as those in crawlspaces. If you live in an area that sees extremely cold winter temperatures, leave the cabinet doors under sinks open and the water running at a trickle to help prevent freezing.
Thaw frozen pipes with a blow dryer.
Frozen pipes leave you without running water and put your pipes at risk of bursting. Never use an open flame, such as a blow torch, to thaw them out; this can also increase the chances of burst pipes. Thaw them gently with a blow dryer or a space heater used in ten minute intervals. Never leave a space heater unattended.
Know where your main shut-off valve is.
If water is flooding your home from a damaged pipe, being able to shut the water off quickly could save you a lot of money in repairs. Always know where the main shut-off is.
While prevention and small repairs are fairly safe to tackle on your own, always call a plumber for major issues. Regular inspection and maintenance of your pipes and fixtures will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run. Read more on website.
