Top 10 Plumbing Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Paramount Plumbing and Gas are expert residential and commercial plumbers in Wellington. Here are 10 hot tips for every homeowner in Wellington.

Keep an eye on your water bill

A sudden increase could be a sign of a leak. If you want to reduce your water heating bill, you may want to consider a Rinnai Infinity gas hot water system, as it heats water on demand instead of heating 180 litres all the time.

Check for leaks regularly

A small drip can waste a lot of water and lead to much higher water bills.

To avoid plumbing problems in the first place, it’s important to practice preventive maintenance. That means regularly checking pipes and fittings for leaks and properly maintained drains and fixtures.

Know where your main water shut-off valve is

In case of a major leak, you’ll need to be able to shut off the water quickly to minimize damage.

Every homeowner should know where their main water shut-off valve is located and how to operate it.

This valve or “toby” is usually located on your boundary, near the water meter, or where the main water line enters the house. In the event of a plumbing emergency, shutting off the water at this valve will help prevent extensive water damage.

Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain

They can solidify and block your pipes.

To avoid clogged drains, it’s important to properly dispose of grease, food particles, and other materials that can build up and cause problems. Never pour grease down the drain! This bad advice is based on an age-old plumbing myth – and it’s not the only one causing probelms around Wellington. Instead, wipe it up with a paper towel and throw it in the trash.

Use strainers in your sinks to catch food and other particles before they go down the drain.

Don’t overload your garbage disposal. Feed it small amounts of food at a time, and run plenty of water while it’s in use.

Use Cold Water with your Garbage Disposal System

Always use cold water when your garbage disposal is running. 

You should avoid putting any fats, oils, or grease (FOG) into your disposal, as this can cause your drain pipes to become clogged. However, if you do have some fat in your food waste , using cool water will ensure that the fat remains solid as it passes through the disposal.

Use a plunger to clear minor clogs

Although most plumbing problems should be left to the professionals, there are a few simple repairs that homeowners can do themselves.

For example, a stopped-up drain can often be cleared with a plunger or a plumber’s snake. And a leaky faucet can often be fixed by replacing the washer.

The 3 P’s

The 3 P’s rule for toilets is simple: only pee, poo and paper go in the toilet. That’s it! No exceptions.

You should never flush anything other than pee, poop, and toilet paper down the toilet because it can clog your home plumbing. This can be really messy and cost a lot of money to fix.

Flushing other things can also damage sewer and wastewater treatment systems. This can lead to environmental damage and higher sewer rates.

Clean your pipes from time to time

To keep drains flowing freely, it’s a good idea to periodically flush them with hot water and baking soda. For an extra boost, add a few drops of white vinegar to the mixture.

If you do need to use chemicals, use proper drain cleaners and maintenance products designed for your plumbing system. Be careful about harsh chemicals that could corrode your pipes or cause environmental damage.

There are plenty of myths surrounding cleaning your plumbing, so, if in doubt, call Paramount Plumbing.

Inspect your home’s pipes and drains regularly for leaks or blockages

This will help you avoid any major plumbing disasters.

To prevent water damage, leaked, or burst pipes, it’s important to know the signs of a plumbing problem.

Be on the lookout for wet spots on walls or ceilings, drips or puddles beneath fixtures, and water stains on pipes. Check your hot water cylinder annually and take note if you experience changes in cost or effectiveness. If you notice any of these issues, don’t hesitate to call a professional for assistance.

Have a professional plumber inspect your home’s plumbing every few years – This will help ensure that everything is in good working order.

If in doubt, call a plumber

Calling a plumber may well save you time and energy in the long run. They are trained and experienced in tackling plumbing problems quickly and efficiently.

You may also find that calling a plumber will help you to:

• Avoid costly repairs – a professional plumber can also help you avoid costly repairs down the road. By catching small problems early and fixing them before they turn into big ones, you can save yourself a lot of money in the long run.
• Get the job done right – when you call a professional plumber, you can rest assured that the job will be done right the first time. This is especially important when it comes to complex jobs or jobs that require special skills or knowledge.
• Enjoy peace of mind – another big benefit of calling a professional plumber is the peace of mind that comes with knowing the job will be done right. When you have a plumbing problem, it can be stressful. But when you know a professional is taking care of it, you can relax and have peace of mind.
• Do it right the first time – plumbers have all the right tools and gear. They also have vans and tandem trailers that can get all the materials in one go, as well as specialty gas fitting equipment.
• Save money – last but not least, calling a professional plumber can actually save you money. Many people think that hiring a professional will be more expensive than doing it themselves. But in many cases, the opposite is true! Hiring a professional can often save you money in the long run because they can help you avoid costly repairs and problems.

About Paramount Plumbing