10 WAYS TO PREVENT A HOME PLUMBING NIGHTMARE – Homeowners know that there is little that causes more frustration than a plumbing issue. If you are looking to prevent home plumbing problems, there are a number of things that you should keep in mind. Here are 10 ways that you can prevent a plumbing nightmare and possibly save your sanity at the same time.
1. Install a backflow preventer – Back flow can occur when a sudden drop in pressure causes water to flow backwards from the pipes into your home’s plumbing system. This can cause severe leaks and quite a mess. When replacing your hose bib, be sure that you are using a product that has a built-in vacuum breaker and is freeze-proof.
2. Know where all of your pipes are – Anytime you do any home repairs or construction you risk causing a leak if you are not aware of just where your pipes are running. You can purchase an inexpensive stud finder that will detect pipes for you if you are unsure of where they are.
3. Use the proper fitting to connect copper and steel – Instead of using a simple sealant or plumbing tape, make sure that you are using a dielectric union when you are connecting copper piping and galvanized steel.
4. Check your connectors – It is essential that you are using the right connectors on your plumbing. Remember that your gas lines also count as plumbing so if you are connecting new appliances to your gas lines, you should be certain that you are using the proper connectors for the job. A universal connector kit will do the job nicely and ensure that you have no major problems.
5. Take your time – When cutting plumbing pipes, it is essential that you cut right if you want to avoid leaks and problems in the future. Also be certain that you are taking the time to cut clean so that the two parts will fit together properly. If you want a truly gas or water tight joint, you have to take a little extra time to ensure that you are cutting properly.
6. Learn your codes – Plumbing is certainly not the easiest thing in the world and there are certain codes in place that you have to follow. If you are planning to do your own plumbing, ensure that you know the proper codes and what you need in terms of pipe sizes, fixture spacing and other aspects. You can pick up a copy of the Uniform Plumbing Code or the International Plumbing Code to help.
7. Take care of your septic tank – While there are a number of septic tank additives on the market today, they may not be necessary for your tank. If your septic is built properly and maintained well it should last for many years. A well-maintained septic is pumped regularly and your plumbing company can advise you on just how often it should be pumped. You can also avoid using harsh chemicals to clean the tank as these can also kill bacteria that your tank needs.
8. Use the right sealant – There are two different types of sealant on the market and knowing the right one to use is important. The only times that you do not need a sealant is if you are using a glued or soldered joint. Everything else requires tape for sealing water or gas connections.
9. Ease up – On the tightening that is. You can over-tighten and cause yourself more problems than if you under-tightened. If your joint is cut properly and sealed as it should be, you do not have to tighten it as much as you may think.
10. Always, always test for leaks – When you do finish your own plumbing jobs, always ensure that you leak test them before you move on to another project. This will help you to find leaks before they get out of hand and repair them before them can cause massive damage.
This article was written by The Plumb Store. Visit us at www.theplumbstore.com to see our wide selection of quality bathroom products.
