Our home plumbing systems have evolved over time and now we have hot or cold water whenever we want with full efficiency. One thing you should remember about plumbing issue is that they need immediate attention. A small problem can become a serious issue otherwise costing you a lot of money and inconveniencing your daily schedule.
You should be on the lookout for inconsistencies of the plumbing system such as leaky faucets, dripping refrigerators, damp cabinets and walls. If you ignore a leaky faucet, the resulting moisture will encourage the growth of mould and mildew overt time. That is in addition to the loss of water that will cost you in the interim. The trick is to act fast and rectify the problem when it has started. If there is a problem with your gas line, hire a gas plumber immediately to secure the safety of the occupants and the house.
You should know the important locations of the plumbing system such as the main shut off valve. This would help you stop the flow of water if the plumbing suddenly fails. Keep the tools that might help you in shutting it off close by. You should also know how to shut off water to appliances such as toilets, sinks, washing machines etc. when something goes wrong. This will minimise the amount of cleaning you have to do as well. It will be easier for you if you are aware of the basic practices it takes to solve small plumbing issues such as blocked drains, leaky faucets, clogged toilets and valves that are stuck. There is a wealth of information online and in books. You should know how to recognise serious problems so that you know when you should call a professional.
Then there are the effects of cold weather on the plumbing. One such emergency is frozen pipes in winter. When this happens, the frozen water inside the pipe expands due to its higher volume causing the pipe to crack resulting in a leak. The best way to treat such problems is through prevention. Insulate the exposed pipes in cold areas of the house such as crawl spaces and garages. The exterior hoses should be removed before the cold season begins. You can attach insulating caps to outside water faucets. Once winter starts, make sure you open the cabinets underneath sinks and other bathroom fixtures because that would let in warmer air inside. Open unused taps and flush unused toilets once in a while. Practice ways to save water such as loading up the dishwasher at the end of the day with all the dishes and cutlery, using low flow alternatives for toilet fixtures and keep the showers short.
