8 Plumbing Tips For Everyone

Knowing a few plumbing tips and tricks can go a long way in preventing costly repairs and inconveniences when it comes to maintaining your home.

A basic understanding of plumbing can save you time, money, and stress, from simple preventative measures to essential emergency protocols.

In this blog post, we will cover eight essential plumbing tips that everyone should know, so you can handle common plumbing issues with confidence and ease. Let’s dive in!

Know where your stopcock is (Inside and outside your home)

Knowing where your stopcock is located can help you take control of plumbing issues and give you peace of mind – both inside and outside your home. The stopcock is the primary point to shut off the water supply in case of an emergency.

It’s important for all homeowners to know where their own stopcock is located so that they have a better understanding of their plumbing system. This knowledge will allow you to act quickly if any problems arise. Generally speaking, the internal stopcock is in the kitchen under the sink (this is the first place I would look), and there is also an additional stopcock in the street with your water meter.

If you are going away for any length of time, it might be worth turning off your stop cock, as the damage caused by having a leak for an extended amount of time will be extensive, and on top of that, you will receive a bill for all the water you have used!

Plumbing tips like these can be invaluable for DIYers looking for advice on how to handle plumbing emergencies or preventative maintenance measures. Knowing where your stopcock is can provide peace of mind regarding plumbing repairs or maintenance, and provide a sense of belonging in knowing that you are taking ownership of your home’s system.

Don’t put grease or oil down the kitchen sink

Don’t be tempted to pour that used cooking oil down the kitchen sink – it’ll clog up your pipes and create a real mess! Grease, fat, and oil should never go down the drain. As tempting as it may seem in the moment, disposing of these substances by pouring them down your kitchen sink can cause major plumbing issues. 

The grease or oil can mix with particles from detergents and food waste, forming a kind of paste-like material that will stick to your pipes and eventually block them completely. If you want to avoid costly repairs or replacements later on, learn this simple tip now: always dispose of grease, fat, and oil properly!

Storing these materials in an airtight container like a bottle or takeaway container until they can be disposed of properly is one way to prevent clogged drains.

Check for leaks (and don’t ignore them!)

Ignoring a plumbing leak can lead to serious damage, so don’t let it go unchecked! Not only can it cause structural damage to your home, but also result in costly repairs.

Even the smallest of leaks should be addressed as soon as possible. A good way to check for leaks is to inspect all of the exposed pipes and joints in your house regularly. Look out for discolored spots on walls or ceilings which could indicate that water is seeping through from a hidden pipe. Additionally, you should check hoses and valves for signs of corrosion or leakage.

If you do find a leak, it’s important not to ignore it; get an experienced plumber in right away to assess the situation and prevent further damage from occurring.

By checking for plumbing leaks regularly and addressing them quickly, you can save yourself time and money in the long run.

Isolate and drain your outside tap in winter

Protect your outdoor tap from the cold weather by isolating and draining it during winter. Isolating and draining your outside tap is a simple preventative measure to protect it from damage caused by freezing temperatures.

To do this, you’ll need to turn off the water supply valve located inside the house, then open the exterior tap and let all of the remaining water drain out and then leave the tap open. You may also want to disconnect any hoses connected to the outdoor tap so no residual water remains in them and freezes. Doing this will help ensure your outdoor tap functions properly when you’re ready to use it again in warmer months.

Regularly check your bathroom traps for hair

Regularly inspecting your bathroom traps for hair buildup can help you avoid costly plumbing repairs. With a few simple steps, you can make sure that your bathroom drains remain free of clogs and blockages.

In a shower this is normally done by removing the centre of the trap, for baths and basins you will need to remove and clean the trap out from underneath.

You can buy top access bath traps that allow you to remove the centre of the trap from the inside, this saves a lot of time and effort as the alternative will involve removing the bath panel.

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Once you have removed all visible dirt or debris from both pieces, reassemble them back together and check they don’t leak. Consider doing this inspection every couple of months – especially if you have long-haired family members who tend to shed more often than others!

Doing so will ensure that your bathroom stays functional and safe while helping you save money in the long run on unexpected plumbing repairs.

Always have plumbing caps in your house

Having plumbing caps in your house is essential for protecting your pipes and preventing costly repairs – so don’t forget to keep them on hand!

Plumbing caps are small, plastic pieces that cover the ends of pipes, they are perfect if you get a leak or are working on something temporarily. They also seal off the pipes quickly from dirt, debris, and other contaminants that can lead to clogging and other plumbing problems.

Knowing where these little pieces are located in your home is important for quick access when repairs or replacements are needed.

You can also keep a couple of ½” and ¾” caps, these are perfect for sealing leaking washing machine valves and radiator valves when you remove a radiator.

Fix leaking taps

Fixing leaking taps quickly is key to avoiding costly repairs and a high water bill – so don’t wait if you notice any signs of a leak!

Leaks can be caused by a variety of issues, from worn washers and seals to warn tap seating, or a ceramic cartridge that needs replacing. To fix the issue, start by turning off the water supply. Then, remove the handle and valve to check if the washer or seating is intact a tap reseating tool is perfect for regrinding the inside and replacing the washer should fix the issue, if the tap is ceramic disc then the only real solution is to replace the valve.

Replace any damaged parts with new ones that match your existing fixtures. Once all parts are replaced, reassemble the tap and turn on the water supply to test it out.

If you’re still having trouble with leaks after this process, it may be time to call in a professional plumber for help.

No matter what kind of plumbing issue you’re dealing with, taking care of it quickly is essential for preventing further damage. With some basic knowledge and tools, many minor plumbing problems can be fixed without needing to hire an expensive professional service. However, if you find yourself in over your head or unsure about how to proceed safely, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from an experienced plumber who can get your taps back up and running in no time!

Make sure there aren’t pipes running in walls before drilling

Before you drill into your walls, double-check to make sure that no pipes are running behind them – it could save you a lot of hassle down the road!

Even if you think there aren’t any pipes in the wall, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Failing to do so could result in a broken pipe or even flooding inside your home.

To ensure you don’t run into any unexpected issues while drilling through the walls, use a stud finder first. This will allow you to accurately locate where pipes may be located before attempting to drill.

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In addition, make sure that any necessary precautions are taken when drilling, such as wearing protective glasses and using an appropriate bit size for your project. Taking these steps can help keep your plumbing system safe and working properly for years to come!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I have a plumbing emergency?

If you have a plumbing emergency, the most important thing to do is to remain calm and take action quickly. Turn off the main water valve as soon as possible, then assess the issue.
If you can’t identify what’s wrong or don’t feel confident enough to make repairs yourself, it’s best to call a professional plumber immediately. A qualified plumber will be able to diagnose and repair your problem quickly and efficiently so that you can get back to your life with minimal disruption.

What are the common causes of plumbing problems?

Common plumbing problems can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the most common issues include clogged drains, low water pressure, and leaky pipes. Other possible causes include poor installation, old or corroded fixtures, mineral deposits or clogs in the main line, broken seals around pipes, and improper maintenance.
To ensure that your plumbing system is running smoothly and efficiently, it’s important to regularly inspect your pipes and fixtures for any signs of wear or damage.

What are the common mistakes in plumbing?

• Common mistakes in plumbing include:
• Not turning off the water supply before starting a repair.
• Not using the right parts or tools for the job.
• Not properly securing pipes or joints.
• Over-tightening fittings and connections.
• Cross threading fittings
• Not double-checking for leaks or air pockets.
• Not using proper pipe-joint compound.
• Not protecting pipes from freezing temperatures.
• Not correctly sizing pipes or fittings.
• Incorrectly installing a pressure regulator.

Conclusion

Now that you know these 8 plumbing tips, you should be well on your way to becoming a pro!

With just a few simple steps, you can ensure your home’s plumbing is tip-top.

Regularly check for leaks and use plumbing caps on exposed pipes to prevent any further damage.

When dealing with grease or oil, never put it down the sink and always ensure there aren’t any pipes running through walls before drilling.

These precautions will help protect your home from potential issues and costly repairs.

Don’t wait until it’s too late – start taking action today!