Troubleshooting simple plumbing problems is one of the basics every homeowner should know. Even if you don’t have plumbing skills, knowing the basics will save you from bigger issues down the road and will help in maintaining your home.
Here are some of the most common plumbing problems:
- How to handle a Water Leak. It is important for every homeowner to know the location of the main shutoff valve that supplies water to your house. You also need to know the location of all the shutoff valves that control the water supply to your appliances and utilities in the kitchen, basement, bathroom, toilet, and yard. To locate the shutoff valves, you need to inspect your kitchen sink, water heaters, heating systems, toilet pipes, tubs, and other appliances. If you are having difficulty finding them, ask a plumber or someone who knows a little more about plumbing. By identifying the location of these valves, you will be able to turn them off in case you have an emergency water leak and/or a broken pipe. You will still need the help of a plumber to make the repair, but being able to put things under control first is a big help!
- Here are the steps to take if you have a broken pipe. 1) Turn off every valve that feeds water to the leaky or broken pipe to stop the water from breaking the pipe. 2) If there is no exclusive shutoff valve to stop the flow of water to the broken pipe, shut off the main valve that supplies water to your whole house. And 3) if the flow of water did not stop immediately after shutting off the water supply, open all the cold-water faucets to release the water in the entire system. Remember you only need to open only the cold-water faucets and not the hot water faucets.
- Here is some info about clogged drains: A clogged drain slows or stops water from flowing properly in your drainage system. The worst that can happen is when your plumbing systems blocks to a standstill and you cannot use water anywhere in your home without having water overflow. It is common to use chemicals to unclog drains. Be careful if you decide to do this, drainpipes inside the wall may get damage with continuous exposure to chemicals. If you decide to use chemicals: 1) Dilute the acid by adding water before pouring it into the drain. 2) Use gloves and eye protection when pouring the chemicals. 3) Read the instructions carefully. Using a drain cleaning cable is another option that can help remove clogs in the drain line. This should be done by a professional plumber. So if the chemicals don’t work, call American Air to have one of our plumbers come help.
Being able to troubleshoot and act quickly when plumbing emergencies arise, will help save your home from further damage. Assess the situation, do what you can, and then call one of our plumbers at American Air to come and get your plumbing back to working order.