Taking care of your plumbing system regularly prevents problems from becoming expensive. You can perform several tasks to keep your plumbing running smoothly.
Even minor leaks can cause substantial water bills and lead to severe damage if left unattended. According to the top Orlando plumber, checking your water meter regularly and checking exposed pipes for signs of water stains will help you catch issues before they become major plumbing repairs.
Check Your Water Meter
The plumbing system that brings in fresh water heats it for washing, and distributes it around the house is something that most homeowners take for granted—until something goes wrong. If left unchecked, minor problems like leaking faucets and toilets can quickly add up to significant expenses.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to help avoid these costly issues. One is to check your water meter regularly.
To check your meter, write down the current reading, then turn off all indoor and outdoor water uses (including sprinkler systems and ice makers) for an hour or so. When you return, reread the meter to see if the dial has moved. An increased meter reading can indicate a leak somewhere in your plumbing system.
Clean the Drains Regularly
Clogged drains are among the most common plumbing problems that homeowners face. They are often caused by items that don’t belong in the gutter, such as food waste or paper products. These items can cause severe damage to pipes, resulting in an expensive repair bill. The best way to keep your drains clog-free is to clean them regularly. It is recommended to do this at least once per month. You can use a baking soda and vinegar mixture to break up clogs and dissolve soap scum. You can also put a mesh drain catch in your sinks and bathtubs to trap hair and pour boiling water down the drains periodically.
It’s much easier to prevent drain clogs than to deal with them afterward. It’s easy to forget to clean the drains, but if you set up a regular maintenance schedule, it will be much easier to remember.
Turn Off the Water
Turning off the water supply is the first step in preventing significant water damage. Knowing where your home’s valves are located will allow you to cut off the water supply in an emergency quickly.
Most homes have a main shut-off valve, usually located in the basement, crawlspace, or near where the incoming water line enters the house on the front of the property. It’s usually a tap or knob-style valve, and it’s essential to know where this is so you can turn it off in an emergency.
There may also be isolation or service valves that shut off the water supply for individual fixtures. Knowing where these are located will help you minimize the damage caused by a leaking toilet, sink, or washing machine.
Install a Water Heater
When you need a new water heater, it’s tempting to save money by installing one yourself. But doing it correctly is much more complicated than watching a few YouTube videos and trying your best.
The steps vary by location and piping, so consult your water heater’s installation instructions for specific details. Before beginning, disconnect and drain the old water heater by opening hot and cold taps upstairs and at the system’s lowest point.
Remove the electrical junction box cover and connect the home’s bare copper or green ground wire to the water heater’s green ground screw. Connect the power wires, following the water heater’s directions for wiring size and circuit breaker type (if applicable). If required by code, install a temperature and pressure relief valve and discharge line per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Install a Water Filter
If you’re concerned about toxins in your home’s water, your Orlando plumber can install a whole-house filter. These filters can remove major disease-causing pathogens such as E coli, norovirus, and Giardia from your water. In addition, they can remove dangerous contaminants like lead, arsenic, nitrates, and uranium from your drinking water.
First, install a water filter and shut off your main water valve under the sink. Then locate the water line under your sink and cut it with a pipe cutter to remove a section large enough for the filter. Connect the new filter to the water line and faucet using an adapter kit provided with the filtration system. Wrap Teflon plumber’s tape clockwise around any threaded fittings to ensure a leak-free connection.
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