The last few months, many people have made the move out of the city and into a new home. If you're new to owning a home, there are a few things you should know about your house, including basic plumbing. Now that you're settling in, these are some must-learn plumbing tips for all homeowners.
1. How to Clear a Drain
You're brushing your teeth and you notice your bathroom sink is draining a little slower than it was the day you moved in. This is most likely because of an accumulation of hair. Use a sink tool to pull out anything you can reach in the drain. Then, pour warm water down the drain to clear any excess.
If you are experiencing a clogged drain that won't budge, It's best to call a local plumber who can come help.
2. What Not To Put Down Your Kitchen Sink
Now that you own your home, it's important to ditch the lease mentality you had when renting an apartment. Keep your plumbing in tip-top shape by taking care of it. This means watching what you choose to put down your disposal. Here's a full list of do's and dont's for your kitchen sink.
3. Facts About Your Water Heater
Your water heater is the heart of your home. Without it, you wouldn't be able to take hot showers, properly run your dishwasher, or clean laundry. It's important to take care of and, therefore, it's important to know about. Get familiar with your water heater and make sure you know:
- If it's tankless or standard
- How old it is
- The condition it's in
- What warranty it has, if any
- It needs to be drained about once a year
4. Where Your Main Water Valve Is
Any homeowner knows that accidents and malfunctions happen. Because of this, you should know where your main water valve shutoff is located in your home. If you experience any leaks, floods, or malfunction you can turn off the water supply before it becomes an even bigger problem.
5. How to Look For Water Leaks
You won't miss if your sink is leaking, but leaks could also be hidden out of plain sight. Keep an eye out for any discolorations in your ceilings or walls. Areas that have pipes such as basements or attics might smell musty, which can be a sign there is a leak. Make it a habit to routinely check for these.
6. Where to Find a Plumber Near You
Finding a plumber that you can trust is an important part of owning a home. There are some plumbing tasks that you just can't fix on your own. A. Borrelli Mechanical has been servicing New York for over 30 years. For all of your plumbing and HVAC needs, A. Borrelli can help.