Indoor plumbing has been around since about 2500 B.C. or so. Even though some form of this convenience has been around for thousands of years, we still encounter problems. Pipes can freeze over and burst, causing a big flood. New sprinkler systems can malfunction and make a muddy mess. Faucets can leak, leading to gallons of water being wasted over time. Here are a few tips on how to handle these common plumbing problems.
What’s the Number One Question When a Plumbing Problem Arises?
The main question everyone wants an answer to when a plumbing problem occurs is, “do I need to call a plumber?” With the helpful suggestions and how-to’s all over the internet, many homeowners want to believe that they don’t need any outside help. What they really believe is that a plumber might charge them more than they are willing to pay. However, when it comes to an issue with the water system it is best to talk to a professional.
For a Sprinkler System Installation, It Is Probably Best to Double Check Your Plans.
Sprinkler system installation is a project that is a big undertaking. This is not a time to eyeball measurements, or to be less than precise in planning. Another concern is the type of material required to adequately complete a sprinkler system installation. Few homeowners will actually have all the necessary tools on hand before the project begins.
If a homeowner has already proceeded with a sprinkler system installation, they might be wondering what to do when a problem pops up. For example, if one area is becoming muddy and the grass is becoming choked, then the water application needs to be adjusted in that area.
Preventing Frozen Pipes.
Preventing frozen pipes is fairly simple. First, if exposed pipes are not already insulated they need to be. The best method of insulation is to first lay a heat cable against the pipe, then to add a layer of fiberglass insulation. Over the insulation should be a plastic layer to really keep the heat close.
Leaky Faucets.
A leaky faucet that drips just twice each minute can cause big problems. Those two drips can add up to nearly one gallon of water a week. Over the course of a year, that can easily become a 48 gallon waste of water.
Leaky faucets can be caused by loose fitting pipes. They can also form from a cracked rubber gasket. It might be wise to have a plumber take a look at any leaks you find. Some homeowners have found that they save up to 10% on their water bill after having multiple small leaks fixed.
Sometimes homeowners want to be able to fix everything on their own. But there is no need to be a jack-of-all trades. To truly take great care of your home, it is necessary to call in a professional technician for some plumbing repair jobs.