As the saying goes, knowledge is power. And with a little plumbing knowledge, you can prevent the need for costly repairs. For instance, knowing how to find and when to shut off the main water valve could save you tens of thousands of dollars in professional water damage remediation. And this is just the start. Follow these five money-saving plumbing tips to effectively and economically maintain your own plumbing.
Know How and When to Shut Off the Main Water Valve – The ability to locate and shut off the main water valve is vital. In the event of a broken pipe or severe leak, shutting off the water flow is essential. The main shut-off valve is generally located on the side of your house. Practice turning the main water valve off and on, so you know what to do in the event of an emergency.
Leaky Toilet – If you have a running toilet, it could be leaking. There’s a quick and easy way to test it. Simply place a few drops of food colouring, powdered drink mix or instant coffee in the tank, not the bowl. Don’t flush it, and allow it to settle for 15 minutes. When you return, if you notice the water in the bowl is the same colour as that in the tank, you have a leak. Fortunately, replacing the worn components in your toilet bowl is a quick and easy fix.
Clogged Drains – If you’re constantly dealing with clogged drains, snaking the drains may no longer be the best solution. In extreme cases, you may need high velocity water jetting to clear out the clogs. At 4,000 psi, this process literally blasts away years of accumulated debris, hair and grease build-up on the inside walls of the pipes. This will clear any blockages and prevent a very costly pipe replacement.
Leaky Shower Head – If your shower head only leaks when you turn it on, you may think it’s no big deal. However, it may be leaking behind the wall, which is a leading cause of structural damage. No matter how minor it seems, never ignore a leak. If not seen to by a professional, a minor leak can become a major headache.
Reduce Your Water Bill – There are many ways to reduce your water bill. Keep an eye out for leaking toilets, sinks or taps, and if you notice unexplained moisture on walls or floors, hire a professional plumber to inspect the affected areas. When installing new plumbing fixtures, choose ones which conserve water – these pay for themselves in the long run.