Congratulations on purchasing your new home and becoming new homeowners! If you’ve ever lived in an apartment, you know to call the office if you have a problem. But now, you are the office! That’s why it’s important to get familiar with your home’s plumbing system. In this post, we’ll offer a few tips, and let you know when it’s time to call a professional.
SHUT-OFF VALVE
Every person who lives in your home should know how to shut off the water to your home. This includes kids or teens who may at times be home alone. In an emergency, it may be important to shut off the water completely. A broken pipe will already be very costly, but additional water damage could drive those costs up exponentially!
If your home has a crawl space, the shut-off valve could be there. It may also be near an outside faucet. Once you find the shut-off valve, turn it clockwise to close it. If you aren’t sure how to find it, the experts at City Plumbing can help.
DRAIN CLEANERS
Chemical drain cleaners are available at most hardware stores, but they really should not be used by amateurs. Sure, they can clear a clog, but these products are so powerful they can actually damage your pipes in the process. They can cause major damage to your septic tank as well. This is due to a high concentration of hydrochloric acid found in many of these cleaners.
There are other ways to unclog a stopped-up sink. Chemical drain cleaners are really for professional use only. If you have a problem you can’t fix, call the experts at City Plumbing.
PLUNGERS
Not only should your home have a plunger, but it’s a good idea to have more than one. There are actually three different styles of plungers, and each has a different function:
- Flat plungers have a straight handle with a rubber cup at the end. They are ideal for sinks and bathtubs.
- Flange plungers are best for toilets. They have an additional extension underneath the cup that creates powerful suction that will fit over the toilet drain.
- Taze plungers are for more serious clogs. They have a steel rod connected to a small disk. Taze plungers are not for novices and generally require professional help.
WE’LL COME RUNNING
The last tip? Have a plumber you can trust in your cell phone contact list! City Plumbing can help you with any of your plumbing needs, and more! Save our number – 432-366-2401. You can also make an appointment online. Give us a call, and we’ll come running!
