Unaddressed plumbing issues such as clogged pipes, burst pipes, and leaks could lead to catastrophic damage and sizeable repair bills. As such, it is imperative to know how to spot the early signs of such problems before they become full-blown disasters. Additionally, you may wish to learn some plumbing tips and tricks that could help you keep the water pipes in your home in a pristine condition for longer, while also mitigating any potential plumbing issues.
It is undeniable that such information is indeed handy to have at your disposal, however, making repairs by yourself with any DIY solutions may not be the best course of action. Turning to a specialist is strongly recommended in order to avoid repeat issues or making the situation even worse with incomplete or outright wrong repairs.
When looking for professional plumbing services, you may want to start with those operating in your area, such as plumber London if your home is located there. Doing so ensures that the plumbing experts will respond promptly and that they will be familiar with the main water infrastructure in the area and its most common problems. Before you commit to any agreements, look for call-out or travel charges and other hidden fees that could surprise you in the final cost of the repairs.
Locate Your Main Turnoff Source
When your house is flooding and there is water going everywhere, it is paramount to call for a professional. Before you start making phone calls and booking appointments for such a service, you must make sure to prevent any additional or more serious damage stemming from the plumbing issue. The first step you should take is to cut the water supply to the house. To do so, you will need to locate the main turnoff source. After switching it off, drain any water that might be remaining in the pipe system by turning one cold water tap on.
Just to be on the safe side, you may wish to turn off the heating system as well via the shut-off valve typically located next to the boiler. Now, follow the same procedure to drain the pipes but this time turn a hot water tap on. Finally, if there is a risk of water flowing into electrical outlets, light fittings, electrical appliances, etc., you should switch off the power via the main circuit breaker.
Avoid Pipe Bursts Due to Cold Weather
It is also crucial to take the necessary precautions if you have outdoor pipes or plan to be away from your home for a prolonged period of time. If you leave the pipes as they are, any stretch of cold weather where the temperature drop below freezing could cause them to burst as the water remaining inside them will expand while turning to ice. Repairing the damage could just be an unnecessary financial strain that could have otherwise been easily prevented. That is why you should disconnect any outside hoses and then turn any outside faucets off. To do so, start by stopping the water supply to them from inside. Then, open the outside valve to let the water drain out and then shut it off again.
How To Find Reliable Plumbing Service
Typically, even in a case of emergency, you would want to avoid hiring the first plumbing service you find. A good rule of thumb is to get estimates of the expected costs from at least three plumbing companies. Furthermore, it may be for the best to avoid judging how good a plumber is based solely on their advertisements. Look them up on customer review sites and see what the general comments say. Alternatively, you can turn to local contractors or plumbing fixture stores for some recommendations, as these companies are unlikely to have lasting work relations with bad plumbers.
Avoid Flushing Cooking Grease
Although it may be the easiest way to get rid of the leftover cooking grease and oil, simply pouring it down the kitchen drain could have a devastating impact on the state of the water pipes. Grease may start to pile up in the pipe and it would naturally harden, blocking the pipe completely at some point. Removing the blockage could then require professional help.
Pay Attention To Your Water Meter
Looking at your monthly water usage is an excellent way to identify hidden leaks or other issues with the water system. For example, you may notice a considerable yet unexplained rise in the amount of water used for the period. This is a red flag worth investigating. Turn off all fixtures, even the valve on the hot water tank/boiler. Now, go to your local meter and check if it is still picking up water usage. If the meter is moving, start looking for a plumber as there might be a leak inside a wall or under the flooring that should be fixed as soon as possible.
