Recently purchased a new home? Don’t let a burst hose dampen the experience. Here’s what you need to know…
1. Locate And Test Your Water Shut Off Valve
Familiarize yourself with its location and make sure it works!
Some old water shut off valves are buried underground and impossible to access in an emergency and some require a ‘water key’.
Adhering to this straightforward plumbing advice can potentially save you a significant amount of money on emergency call out fees, costly repairs and water damage restoration.
2. Watch What Goes Down Your Drains
Blocked drains can impede the use of your sink or shower until the obstruction is cleared. Take proactive measures to avoid clogs by being mindful of what goes down your drains.
Avoid pouring grease down the kitchen drain, as it will solidify as it cools and lead to pipe blockages.
Use a hair catcher for your shower drain to prevent hair clogs.
When it comes to your toilet, limit flushing to human waste and toilet paper only. Flushing wipes, sanitary products, and other items can cause toilet clogs and lead to overflows.
Children may drop toys or rocks down drains if the grates are not secured.
3. Check For Leaks Regularly
Regularly inspect for leaks in your plumbing system. Over time, corrosion, ground movement and day to day use can result in plumbing issues, ranging from minor drips to significant leaks. While leaks in exposed plumbing under sinks are easy to detect, those hidden within walls can be more challenging to identify.
Be vigilant for stainless flexible hoses with rust spots, drips, puddles, water stains or dampness on walls and floors. If you think you have a leak monitor your water meter by recording the reading, abstaining from water usage for an hour, and then checking for any changes. An unexplained increase in the meter reading may indicate a hidden plumbing leak.
For toilet leaks, add a few drops of liquid food coloring to the tank and wait a few minutes. If the color seeps into the bowl, it suggests a leak in the outlet valve. If there is water seeping out around the base of the toilet the pan seal likely needs to be replaced.
If you notice your grass growing particularly well in one patch, you likely have a crack in your underground sewer or storm water pipe below. If this is near to the house it can encourage termites.
4. Don't Over-Tighten Taps
If your house has separate hot/cold taps please don’t over-tighten them. A simple tap washer replacement can turn into a $1000+ repair if the brass seat cracks from over-tightening the tap. If you tap is dripping, call your local plumber.