Plumbing is an essential part of living in the modern world. In fact, one of the major innovations which separates us from wild animals is our management of fresh water flowing into a home and wastewater flowing out.
Plumbers have been around as long as plumbing has. It’s a science which has evolved over thousands of years and takes a skilled technician to manage. Knowing precise angles of piping and how to use gravity to their benefit is a key component of being a plumber.
Plumbers get paid good money to install and repair plumbing. They are experts in their field. Recently, we asked a plumber in Melbourne, Florida if there were some things he wished every person knew. These were his responses.
I. Not Everything Belongs Down the Drain
Some folks get into a bad habit of trying wash anything and everything down their drain. This is a big mistake. Grease, fats, oils and certain food scraps can become serious issues in the long run, clogging your drains and causing headaches.
II. Pay Attention to Your Water Heater
Most people install a water heater and they next time they pay attention to it is when it breaks. If they simply perform routine maintenance on the appliance, they will get more years from it and prevent breakdowns. Flush your water heater yearly and make sure the temperature is optimal.
III. Small Leaks Can Become Big Problems
A small leak may seem like no big deal, but it can quickly cause your water bill to blow up. Not only that but the leak itself could be the relative calm before the storm. The pipe may literally about to burst, and the leak is your only warning. Don’t ignore leaks no matter how small they are.
IV. Know Where Your Shutoff Valve Is
The shutoff valve cuts the water to your entire home. You need to know exactly where it is should a pipe burst happen. Time is money in this scenario and every second that water is running freely into your home, the more damage is being done. Water damage is some of the hardest to repair. It can be devastating to your home.
V. Prevention is the Best Cure
Just like with anything in your life, preventing the disaster is much better than dealing with it after it occurs. The occasional pipe inspection takes hardly anytime and can save you from ruin. Look for tiny cracks or leaks along the pipe length and joints. If you see any damage, then call your plumber right away to get the issue addressed.
VI. DIY Isn’t Always an Option
Sure, you may have swapped out a toilet or a pipe once or twice in your life. But many plumbing fixes are much more involved. You may just end up patching or masking a much bigger problem which will be much more expensive in the long run. If you find yourself wondering if the job is over your head, then it probably is. Call a professional plumber and have the job done right from the start. You’ll be glad you did.
