Even in ancient times, plumbing has been a crucial part of daily life. It’s gotten far since then – people now enjoy hot and cold water whenever they please. The mechanics and engineering behind plumbing are pretty basic, but every now and then, problems do arise – and when they do, the house can be messy (and flooded, in worse cases) if not solved. Prompt action is important to avoid dealing with bigger damages.
Here are five helpful plumbing tips to remember during this fall season:
1. Always be aware of your plumbing’s current state.
Even the smallest of leaks can quickly turn into big problems. If you see any signs of possible failures (damp cabinets, dripping refrigerators, toilets that rock, or faucets that leak), allocate time and attention to make sure the problem is fixed by professional plumbers right away.
2. Fix damages as soon as possible.
In conjunction with tip #1, you should stay on top of issues to keep your home dry and clean. Why? When a faucet leaks, or if there’s a drip somewhere in your home, it does a lot more than annoy you. The water that comes out moistens the surrounding furniture and appliances, which can cause water damage. This also facilitates mildew and mold growth, which can be detrimental to your family’s health.
3. Know what to do during emergencies.
This means that at any time the plumbing suddenly fails, you should be able to locate your main valve and shut off the entire water supply. If you don’t, then you’ll be flooded in no time. If the valve is hidden somewhere that’s dark and hard to reach, be sure to prepare any tools that you might need for a fast shut-off in a convenient place, so you can grab them and go right away.
4. Turn off all appliances.
You should also be prepared to shut off water to toilets, sinks, washing machines, and appliances that use water. This prevents the need to have a major (and wet) clean-up later on.
5. Locate the sewer valve.
Lastly, spot this location in your house. The main sewer valve gives access to help resolve clogged sewer lines. Even when you call for professional Las Vegas plumbing services, you should have done this step before the plumber arrives.
These reminders are just the tip of the iceberg. Familiarize yourself with basic plumbing how-to, as well as the tools necessary to get the job done. Plungers, sewer snakes, and pipe wrenches are basic tools you need in your kit. This way, you can fix minor issues on your own – such as clogged drains, backed up toilets, dripping faucets, and stuck valves.
If everything else fails, or if you feel like you can only aggravate the damage, then the best step to take is calling for professional plumbing services. Sin City Plumbing is the premier source for residential and commercial plumbing services in the valley. We have 24/7 plumbers available. For all of your plumbing needs in Las Vegas, Henderson and Boulder City, be sure to check out our services page.
