Owning a home is a dream come true, but in the back of every homeowner’s mind, they know that that big dream can come with a thousand potential little nightmares. These can come in the form of plumbing and HVAC problems, which Hawk Plumbing, Heating, & Air can help with! However, sometimes with plumbing maintenance, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here are a few practical tips everyone who owns a house or condo should know about plumbing.
KNOW YOUR WATER MAIN
Every homeowner should be familiar with the location of their water main and how to turn it off. If you ever have a major plumbing project, a significant leak, or another event (like extended home vacancy) where you would want to turn off the water, you need to be able to turn off the water at the water main. It is typically located in the basement near the water heater but can also be found in the yard under a grate-like plate. You likely need a T-handle handy to turn it on and off.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR TOILET
The toilet is a potential source for major plumbing issues, but most homeowners with no plumbing experience can prevent or resolve common toilet issues with practical care. First, never flush anything other than toilet paper down the drain. Common no-nos include feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, gum, and hair. Just don’t do it! Get a good plunger for simple clogs, and call your plumber right away if your toilet runs all the time.
DON’T IGNORE LEAKY FAUCETS
Not only can leaky faucets waste hundreds and hundreds of gallons of water if left unrepaired, but they also cost you money and may be indicative of a more extensive problem with your water pressure—not to mention the annoying sound! You can do a simple tightening under the sink yourself, but if the drip-drip-drip continues, get ahead of the problem by calling a pro.
CONTACT US
One of the best steps a new homeowner can take is to have a thorough plumbing inspection or have one done if it has just been a while. Contact Hawk Plumbing, Heating, & Air today.