7 Things You Should Do That Your Plumber Would Be Grateful For
It’s usual for a homeowner to not care about how they’re using their plumbing system when it’s still functioning properly. But once the problem strikes, they’ll go running to the plumber for a quick solution.
However, plumbing repair work can get pretty expensive. If you don’t want to experience flooding in your home and suffer the added costs of possible mold growth and water damage, here’s what you should do according to an emergency plumber in Melbourne.
1. Avoid DIY-ing anything
Part of the reason why homeowners perform DIY projects is the satisfaction they get from solving a problem. However, this isn’t the same when it comes to plumbing repairs as you’d want the task done according to the highest standard of quality. Otherwise, you may end up paying more when the plumber comes in to take over your failed DIY attempt.
Avoid trying to fix any plumbing problem on your own and hire a professional instead. They have extensive knowledge about plumbing repairs and can accurately detect the problem to fix it at its root. You can be confident that your plumbing issue will get properly diagnosed and fixed as quickly as possible.
2. Know where your main shut-off valve is
You shouldn’t be clueless of the location of your water mains as well as the emergency shut-off of your water line. Most importantly, you should know how to turn these valves on and off.
In case of a plumbing emergency, knowing this will prevent further damage to your home.
Normally, the main shut-off valve is on an outside wall in a utility area or in the basement. You can close the valve by turning the handle clockwise. This allows you to cut off the entire water supply to your house before a plumbing problem becomes a huge disaster.
3. Do not throw everything in the toilet
Even if your toilet flushes quickly and easily, this doesn’t mean you can throw cotton balls, diapers, and napkins in it. Keep in mind that these items don’t disintegrate fast and will only get stuck in the drain, causing blockages.
After every use, make it a habit to throw your sanitary items inside a garbage receptacle instead of flushing them in the toilet.
4. Pay attention to the puddle of water around the toilet base
A small puddle or any constant wetness around the toilet base could mean a failure in the wax seal. Although this doesn’t look like a problem, leaking water may damage your tiles, leading to mold and further costly repairs.
Whenever you book a cleaning service, let them report to you any needed repairs including any unusual puddle around your toilet base. If your cleaners notice some plumbing problems, contact your plumber as soon as possible before they get any worse.
5. Remember to replace the hoses
Water hoses usually don’t give any warnings before they burst. To avoid potential flooding, see to it that you change your rubber hoses on dishwashers and washing machines every five years. If possible, when you replace a water hose, use stainless steel on all your water lines for durability.
6. Update your water heater tank
The typical lifespan of a water heater tank is about eight to 12 years. If you have a 20-year-old tank, don’t wait for it to fail and flood your home. When a plumber comes to visit your home for plumbing maintenance, ask about the best time to update your water heater tank.
7. Do not overload the garbage disposal
A garbage disposal system is quite a convenient tool in the kitchen that can easily get abused at times. Putting too much rubbish into your garbage disposal can actually damage its blades, thereby costing you a lot of money on repair work. Remember, fibrous foods like artichokes and celery can cause issues in your machine so make sure you slowly feed rubbish in with running water.
Do your part
Just like you, your plumber only wants the best for your pipes and entire plumbing system. The next time you do something, think about how it can affect your pipes. Small actions of vigilance and care involving your plumbing system are some things your plumber (and your home) would truly appreciate you for.
AUTHOR BIO
Based in South Melbourne, Blue Diamond Plumbing was founded in 1985, working on new homes, repairs and commercial contracts. Over time they have grown to become some of the best plumbers Melbourne has to offer. Since 2001 the company has specialised in Emergency Plumbing and Property Maintenance, Repairs and Renovations for homes and businesses in Melbourne and inner city suburbs. Owner Rod Diamond has over 30 years experience with emergency plumbing in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.
