The mechanical system in your home is actually a flood waiting to happen.
Really?
From cooking your meals, when cooking your mind, everything is a moment, water is a natural resource and it sustains every living thing including you when this big blue planet of ours. to cleaning your home. And much more, you use water for just about everything.
All is hurricane "Sandy," that slammed into the east coast
Much like your automobile your plumbing system needs bi-annual maintenance check-ups, regularly.
6 months ago? 1 year ago? 2 years ago?
Oh, please do not tell me it has stay continue reading so much a few moments your going see that I have included a 10 point check list that every home owner (that & # 39; s You) & family members need to know and this list could very well save you a couple of hundred if not Thousand of dollars of costly home repairs.
When I was in grade school we use to have out of the blue, exercise drills for:
- Fire
- Earth quakes
- Tornado & # 39; s and believe it or not
- a bomb attack
Okay, just kidding on that last one: Fido, would probably think a broken water supply was his his personal hydrant.
All kidding aside, being forewarned is forearmed, especially when it comes to your homes plumbing system.
Repairs can be quite expensive especially if you have to replace a cabinet or part of your floor, so it is important to have a few plumbing basics which can save you time and ton & # 39; s of money down the road.
Earlier, I promised you a 10 point plumbing check-list to keep your investment safe and your insurance company happy ...
10 point plumbing check list every homeowner needs to know:
When plumbing emergencies arise it will require quick thinking and a little faster movement on your part or that part of that family member that notices the emergency.
This is where home drill practices like the school "fire drills" could save you a bundle & possibly your home.
1. The most general area is by your hot water heater.
If you can not find it then you may need a call to plumber to investigate.
I have seen main cut-off valves under the home in the crawl space. This is not a good location due something goes wrong your home could have several inches on the floor by the time you get to the valve.
2. If they are, then you may have a water leak somewhere.
Toilet and faucet leaks are the # 1 culprits and can add hundreds of dollars a year to your water bill.
3. If you do see something, there may be seepage around the flapper valve. Wait 20 minutes and check the toilet bowl for anyile of color.
This is an easy fix & cost less than $ 10.00 if you do it yourself.
4. When your toilet looks like it overflow, remove the tank lid and press down on the flapper effectively plugging the hole at the bottom of the tank. This prevails the toilet from overflowing while you reach over and turn the stop valve off.
If you have children watch for toys that may have lodge itself in the trap or on the flange itself.
If you do not have this, a valve may freeze up over time. If you are caught in a plumbing dilemma and can not turn the valve off , you could be facing serious problems and expense.
6. Learn where the stop valves are for the faucets and toilets in the home off the main source to to the off house is entrenched household by turning off the main valve to the house.
7. Keep a plunger around for clogged sinks and toilets as they are effective tools for plumbing issues.
8. Invest in a few replacement parts such as a toilet kit and rubber gaskets for those plumbing fixes around the home.
9. Avoid chemical drain cleaners for removing clogs. Instead use a plunger or invest in a roto rooter tool called an auger, nickname "snake," for those tough obstacles in plumbing pipes.
10. Try to drain a few. This ensures that the valve works and also the sediment accumulating at the bottom of the tank to clear out, maximizing heating efficiency.
If you have an electric water heater shut off the breaker powering your water heater before continuing.
Then run the hose to a floor drain or a 5 gallon bucket.
You can spend $ 5 for a water hardness test kit at your local Lowe & # 39; s or plumbing supply shop. If your hardness test shows more than 10 then it may be a good idea to budget for a water conditioner.
