It’s no secret that plumbing problems can be stressful and inconvenient. When those dreaded words “there’s a problem in the kitchen” ring through your head, it can be hard to keep a level head, but it’s important to stay calm and collected. Plumbing problems are frustrating and inconvenient no matter how old you are or how much experience you have in the field. With the right knowledge and advice, though, you can greatly reduce the anxiety that comes with any plumbing issue. As a homeowner, it’s important to know what to expect and how to respond when faced with a plumbing challenge. If you’ve recently suffered from a plumbing disaster or know someone who has, keep reading for helpful advice from the pros on how to avoid these problems in the future. Read on to learn about the most common plumbing tips used by professional contractors to avoid future problems.
Change the location of your main water shut-off valve
There are two main water shut-off valves in a house: the main supply shut-off for the entire house and the main shut-off for the individual plumbing fixtures in the house such as the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. These main shut-off valves are often located in the same place but not always. When one of these valves gets damaged or breaks, it can be challenging to fix. If the main supply shut-off is located in the basement and the main shut-off for your bathroom is in the crawl space under the house, you might be in for a long day if a problem arises. The best place to put the main shut-off for your house is wherever it’s most accessible during a plumbing emergency. If the main supply shut-off is in the attic, but the kitchen shut-off is in the basement, you can easily get to the kitchen supply shut-off during a plumbing emergency, but not the main shut-off for the house. This is why it’s important to change the location of your main shut-off valve.
Change the location of your water meter
This is another plumbing change that can save a lot of headaches if your house is ever at risk for a water shortage. The water meter measures how much water your house is using and can be a potential source of water shortages if it’s located in an inconvenient place. If you have a water shortage, it can be difficult to pinpoint the source of the problem. If your water meter is located in a basement, you might have a difficult time accessing it during a water shortage. Changing the location of your water meter to a more accessible, indoor location can help avoid water shortages. This might include moving the water meter indoors or installing a water meter box.
Add a second water supply line
If you are concerned about a potential water shortage or are installing a new appliance that requires a lot of water, adding a second water supply line might be a good idea. Many homes only have one water supply line that is connected to the kitchen faucet, laundry room faucet, and bathroom faucet. If a pipe is damaged, old, or faulty, it can lead to a water shortage. If you are adding a new appliance such as a new water heater or a large kitchen appliance, installing a second water supply line can be helpful. A second supply line can be installed at the same time as the first line is being replaced. There are two common ways to add a second water supply line: by adding a second cold water line or adding a hot water line. Adding a second cold water line only requires running a new line from the water main to the kitchen. Adding a second hot water line requires installing a new water line from the water main to the hot water heater, then installing a second hot water line from the hot water heater to the kitchen.
Install a sump pump
The sump pump is a great way to reduce the risk of flooding in a home. However, many people don’t have a sump pump because they think they don’t need it. The truth is, a sump pump is a very helpful addition to any home. If you have a sump pump in your home, you can reduce the risk of flooding by plugging drains and removing appliances from the kitchen and bathroom. If a pipe gets damaged, it might lead to a flooding situation. A sump pump can help prevent this by removing water from the home before it gets to the level of the floors. If a pipe breaks and flood waters are coming into your home, a sump pump can remove the water before it causes damage to your property.
Install a floor drain
A floor drain is a useful addition to a home. If your home has a hard surface, such as tile or hardwood floors, you can have a floor drain installed. This can be helpful if you have pets or young children who might get hurt on your floor. If there is a chance of a flood or something is leaking or spilling on your floor, a floor drain can help remove this water. Without a floor drain, flood waters would go straight into your basement. If a floor drain is installed in a kitchen or bathroom with water damage, you can help prevent further damage by plugging the drain.
Conclusion
Plumbing problems can be incredibly frustrating, but with the right knowledge and advice, you can greatly reduce the anxiety that comes with any plumbing issue. From changing the location of your main water shut-off valve to adding a second water supply line, there are plenty of helpful plumbing tips that can help you avoid plumbing problems in the future. With these tips, you can greatly reduce the anxiety that comes with any plumbing issue and feel more comfortable in the kitchen.