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11 Things You Need To Know About Your Plumbing
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Get the family together or even print out this
article as we discuss 11 important things your entire family needs about
the plumbing in your home.
Main water cutoff:
Make sure everyone in the house knows where it is in case of an
emergency.
Toilet overflow:
If you believe your toilet is about to overflow, quickly remove the tank
lid, reach down and push the flush valve closed. It covers the tennis
ball-sized opening in the bottom of the tank. That keeps the bowl from
overflowing while you clear the obstruction.
Toilet Check:
Remove tank lid, add food coloring to the water in the tank. Check the
bowl in ten or fifteen minutes. If you see color, the flapper valve may
be leaking. This should be done every few years. Most such leaks are
silent.
Check your meter periodically.
If no water is running in the house, all dials on the meter should be
stable. A movement in one of the dials may indicate a water leak,
probably in a toilet. This could cost you dearly over time.
Stop valves:
These are the cutoff valves near each toilet and faucet. Familiarize
yourself with their location, so that if a major problem develops you
can turn the water off there instead of at the main to prevent serious
water damage to your home.
Open and close all valves once a year:
This will ensure that they will work when you need them to. Otherwise
they may seize up over time.
Water heaters:
Their life can be extended by periodically draining a gallon or two of
water once or twice a year from the drain valve at the bottom of the
heater. This will allow sediment to clear.
Stopped Drains:
Use drain-cleaners as a last resort, because they often don't work, and
if they don't you will have to deal with a sink full of caustic liquid.
Always use a plunger first, and if you have to call a plumber after
using drain cleaner, be sure to let him know.
Plunging:
The best plunger to use in a sink drain is one that has a neck on it.
Laundry valves:
These should be closed when not in use in case hose breaks.
When buying fixtures:
Be sure replacement parts will be readily available.
If you are looking for a Tampa plumber, please call us today at 813.963.3056
or complete our
online
service request form.
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