When you own your own home, you know the importance of routine maintenance and upkeep on both the interior and exterior of your home. But if you’re anything like most people, maintaining your home takes up some portion of your weekend. That’s because the average home owner has no idea what goes into keeping their house “alive” every day — and then some. After all, a home is more than just a place to live; it’s also a big investment that can affect your personal finances and quality of life moving forward. If something isn’t working properly, you need to know what needs repair and when so you can get it fixed before it becomes a serious problem — both for you and your property value. That’s where a plumber comes in. Plumbers are skilled workers who have knowledge in areas ranging from plumbing fixtures and appliances to water supply and sewer lines. They can help you determine if you have a clogged drain or other plumbing issue that can be addressed immediately and fix it for you at an affordable price — because not all plumbing problems are urgent. In the meantime, here are some common plumber tips to keep in mind if you own your own home:
Check for water leaks early
A leaking faucet or running toilet can add up to significant water damage over time, so it’s important to check for leaks as soon as possible. You can do this by turning the water on in a few different areas of your house and checking for drips in the same locations. If you do notice any water damage, contact a plumber as soon as possible to fix the problem. Leaking faucets and toilets not only cause damage, but can also be dangerous if left unaddressed.
Only use recommended cleaning supplies
Many household cleaning products have chemicals that can negatively affect your pipes, posing immediate and long-term risks to your home. As a general rule, it’s best to stick with the water-soluble cleaning products that are recommended by your plumbing company or contractor. This way, you can be sure to avoid damaging your pipes and endangering your home’s health.
Protect your pipes from freezing weather
A broken pipe during freezing weather can cause serious flooding, so it’s important to protect your pipes from the icy cold temperatures. This means covering exposed pipes with a layer of insulation, and covering any exposed pipes with a layer of water-proof insulation before the temperature drops below freezing. If you live somewhere that experiences frequent freezing weather, you may also want to invest in a programmable thermostat for your water heater to ensure it doesn’t shut off when the temperature gets too low.
Make sure your appliances are in good working condition
This includes your washing machine and dishwasher, as well as your water heater and fridge. Most of these appliances are likely to break down at some point, but it might not be as inconvenient as you think. For example, if your dishwasher breaks down, you might struggle to find time to do the dishes manually. Likewise, you might find yourself constantly searching for a new repairman to fix your water heater or fridge.
Keep your toilet seat down
This may seem like common sense, but it’s not uncommon to forget to put the toilet seat back down when you’re finished using it. However, this one simple habit can prevent a lot of issues in the future. If you’re not putting the toilet seat back down after every use, you’re likely to notice a buildup of waste that can clog your drains or sewer pipes. Plus, if you have small children in the house, they’re more likely to get splashed if the toilet seat is up. This can also be a health hazard for anyone who uses the restroom in your home.
Conclusion
When it comes to owning your own home, it’s important to understand the basics of home maintenance and take care of any issues that arise before they become expensive problems. Having a plumber come out to your house once a year for a thorough inspection is a good idea, not just for the obvious benefits, but also as an added safety measure. This way, you can be sure that everything is in working order and ready for any issues with plumbing, electricity, or other home systems.