It’s Back to School Month—Is Your Plumbing Ready?
July 30, 2024
It’s that time again—back to school month. And parents everywhere are preparing for the new year by shopping for kids’ clothes, buying school supplies, and setting up new bedtime schedules. But learning isn’t just for the young! It’s not too late for you to learn some new things, too—especially as a homeowner.
Which is why we’re here. We’re taking you back to the classroom and instructing homeowners on all things plumbing. So, grab that pen and start taking notes!
Plumbing 101: 7 Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
OK, class is now in session, so get ready. We'll teach you where your main water valve is located, why your toilet isn't flushing properly, and more.
1. Know the location of your main water shut-off valve.
If you ever have an emergency plumbing situation, you’ll need to turn off the water. This is done by shutting off your main water valve. But do you know where that is? In most cases, the shut off valve is located where the main water line enters the house, or next to the water meter. Go find it now!
2. Get your water heater inspected regularly.
Don’t neglect your water heater. Instead, be sure to schedule annual water heater maintenance. Just like annual HVAC maintenance, regular water heater inspections are also critical. These checks ensure that your water heater works efficiently, safely and lasts longer. Plus, these checks often help keep warranties valid.
3. Don’t use chemical cleaners for your drain.
While it may sound quick and easy, chemical drain cleaners can do more harm than good. Chemicals in these products can damage your pipes from the inside out. If you do have a clog, try this drain cleaning recipe instead: Take one half a cup baking soda followed by one cup of vinegar. Pour that down the drain and let it set 10 minutes before pouring hot water down. Repeat if needed. If you still have a clog, call us for a quick plumbing repair.
4. Just say no to oil in the garbage disposal.
Avoid tossing grease or oil into the garbage disposal. Otherwise, over time the grease and oil will build up and cause clogs and other problems. Instead, collect grease in a cup or bowl and toss once it hardens.
5. Only flush waste and toilet paper.
The toilet was designed to flush human waste and toilet tissue. That’s it. Don’t put baby wipes, paper towels, trash, contact lenses, or other debris in the bowl. It will only clog the pipes and back up the system.
6. Use a strainer in your sink.
If you’re worried about debris getting into your kitchen drain, consider using a strainer. These are great for catching small particles and preventing the wrong things from making their way into your kitchen drain—and causing problems.
7. Know why your toilet is running.
If your toilet is constantly running, it’s typically due to one of the following:
- A disconnected fill tube
- A defective toilet flapper
- The fill height in the tank is not optimal
- Wrong length for the fill valve or flapper chain
If you’re experienced in fixing these problems, great! If not, Blue Dot is more than happy to help with a plumbing repair. Call us!
Did You Pass the Plumbing Test?
So, how did you score? Did you get an A, or do you have to hit the books a little harder? No worries either way, because Blue Dot is your go-to team when you need plumbing repair, AC repair services, or other HVAC assistance. Schedule your appointment today!