What is plumbing and why is it important?
Plumbing is the process of connecting buildings and water supply systems, as well as installing and maintaining the pipes that transport wastewater. It's an incredibly important part of any home not only because it provides us with clean water, but also because it protects our health and safety. Plumbing systems help maintain indoor air quality by preventing contaminants, such as bacteria and lead, from entering our water supply. They also protect us from floods, gas leaks, and other hazards. When plumbing malfunctions, it can cause an array of health, safety, and environmental issues, from contaminated water to the release of toxic fumes. Plumbing problems can be costly to repair, especially when they require the services of a professional plumber. Fortunately, plumbing hacks can help you avoid problems and find quick and easy solutions when they do occur.
Common plumbing problems
- Leak - If you notice water dripping in your basement or crawl space, you may have a leak. Common causes of leaks include broken or loose pipes, deteriorated pipes, or faulty joints. To fix the problem, close off the faucet that’s feeding the leak, turn off the water supply, and call a plumber to repair the leak.
- Clog - If the water in your toilet bowl turns from clear to brown or black, you may have a clog. Clogs can be caused by everything from hair to human waste. Clogs are often a sign that there is a bigger problem, such as a leak or broken pipes. If you have a clog, call a plumber as soon as possible to stop the problem from getting worse.
- Overflowing toilet - If your toilet is overflowing, it can cause bacteria and other contaminants to spread throughout your home. If your toilet overflows, turn off the water supply, empty the toilet bowl, and call a plumber immediately.
- Flood - A flood can be caused by many things, including broken pipes, clogged drains, or heavy rainfall. To stop a flood from getting worse, turn off the water supply and call a plumber.
Plumbing hacks
- Unclogging drains - Plungers are an easy and effective way to unclog drains. You can find them at any hardware store or home improvement store, come in a variety of shapes, and cost less than $10. To unclog a drain, place the plunger upside down over the drain, apply some pressure, and then wait for the clog to break loose. If the clog doesn't clear, try rotating the plunger 90 degrees and applying more pressure.
- Stopping a leaky faucet - A leaky faucet can waste thousands of gallons of water every year, not to mention it can also be a huge hassle! Several hacks can help you fix a leaky faucet. The most common solution is to replace the washer or O-ring inside the faucet. If you don't feel comfortable doing this, you can call a plumber to fix the problem for you.
- Removing water from a flooded basement - If your basement floods, you'll need to act fast. The longer water is left in the basement, the more damage it will do. To remove water from your basement, open up the windows and use fans to remove the water and air out of the space. Wet/dry vacs are a great option for removing large amounts of water quickly and easily. Look for one that has a high water-flow rate and is easy to move.
- Fixing a clogged toilet - Clogged toilets are a plumbing problem that can quickly turn into a health hazard. Fortunately, there are a few simple hacks that can help you fix the problem. One option is to drop in a few toilet cleaning balls, let them work their magic, and then flush them down the toilet. If that doesn't work, you can also use a plunger or a toilet auger to clear the clog.
Safety tips for DIY plumbing
Safety is key when doing any DIY project. Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when doing plumbing repairs:
- Always turn off the water supply: Before you start any repair or maintenance project, always make sure you turn off the water supply. This will help prevent water damage that can result from a leaky pipe or faulty faucet.
- Use the right tools: The right tools will make the job easier, faster, and more efficient. Make sure you have a wrench, a screwdriver, pliers, and a spanner on hand, and always use safety tools when needed.
- Wear proper clothing: Wearing the right clothing is an important safety precaution. Make sure you wear closed-toed shoes and clothing that is not too loose or too tight.
- Use the right cleaner: Always use the right cleaner in the right way. Using the wrong cleaner can cause more damage than good, and it can also be harmful.
