Your home’s plumbing system is something that you can’t live without. So when there is an issue or challenge, it is tempting to try a DIY repair or some trick that you found on YouTube. While some of these home remedies for your plumbing system will work, at least for a while, there is a good chance that you will be doing more harm than good. Savvy homeowners across the city choose to rely on tips from a licensed plumber to save money on their plumbing repairs and maintenance.
Address Minor Issues
The worst mistake homeowners make when it comes to their home’s plumbing is ignoring a tiny issue. An occasional drip from a faucet, a slight leak, or a slow to clear drain line are signs of a problem. But these are minor issues that can almost always be corrected for a very reasonable amount of money. However, when you ignore the tiny matters, they always grow into much more significant and costly issues. For example, a tiny drip from a pipe under the kitchen sink turns into a flood when the crack erodes. Then you are faced with a plumbing repair and the cost to repair the water damage to your home. Therefore, the first rule of plumbing is always to fix the minor issues to avoid the more significant problems and much larger price tags.
Avoid Most DIY Solutions
Sure, there are some things that homeowners can address to save a few dollars. Plunging a clogged toilet is not a big deal, and there is little potential of making the clog worse. If you give it a go and can’t remove the clog, you can call in a pro and know you didn’t increase the repair cost. However, fixing a leaking pipe with a spray can of supposed sealant can be a costly art project. The goop is not going to provide a long-term solution to your leak issues. But it could make it very difficult for your plumber to repair the leaking pipe properly. Leave the genuine plumbing repairs to the licensed professionals to avoid adding to the cost of your repair bill.
Locate Your Shutoff Valve
When a plumbing emergency occurs, like a broken water line or a damaged faucet spraying water all over the kitchen, you need to turn off the water to your house. Every homeowner should know where the main water shutoff valve is located. In addition, it is crucial to test the valve from time to time to be sure that it is functional. When water is flooding your house, you need to turn off the water first, then call a licensed plumber for emergency help.
Treat Your Plumbing With Respect
Appreciating your plumbing is the best way to eliminate some very costly repair bills. Little things like not stuffing huge pieces of food waste into the garbage disposal and not flushing trash will make a significant difference in the number of clogs you encounter in your home. And when you do discover a clog, try a plunger or other drain-safe solution like baking soda and vinegar, but never dump caustic chemical drain cleaners into your drain lines.
Finally, keep up on the regular maintenance required by your home’s plumbing system. Each year, service for your water heater, an annual professional drain cleaning, and inspections for any pressure regulating valves is all money well spent. Call (818) 740-6830 when you need service for your plumbing or have an emergency that needs immediate attention. Our licensed plumbers are here 24/7 to provide the proper care and repairs to your home’s entire plumbing and drain system.
