Your plumbing system is one of the most important parts of your home. It can also be the trickiest to navigate. Let the pros at Martens Plumbing & Heating help you. Below, we’ll walk you through our very own plumbing 101 guide for some basic do’s and don’ts—and call us at 262-363-7146 for more advice.
Plumbing 101 — the Do’s
Have the Right Tools for the Job
Even basic plumbing can be challenging—if something goes wrong, it can have serious repercussions on your pipes. That’s why having and using the right tools for even minor updates is so important. Research how to perform the job first, then make sure you have everything you need instead of improvising solutions.
Turn off All Water Before You Start
Whether you’re fixing a running toilet or replacing a faucet, your first step should always be turning off your home’s water. That way you don’t make a mess or create plumbing issues bigger than the one you’re trying to fix.
Use Natural Methods to Unclog Your Drains
Nobody likes a backed-up shower or sink. But when they happen, don’t depend on store-bought chemicals to fix the problem. While effective, those solutions can wreak havoc on your pipes over time.
Instead, use items you already have in your house to help you, such as hot water, salt, baking soda, and vinegar.
Plumbing 101 — the Don’ts
Don’t Put Trash in Your Garbage Disposal
It’s easy to think of your disposal as a catch-all for food scraps. But if you put the wrong items down there, they can ruin or break your pipes and cause the whole system to break down. These items include:
- Fats
- Cooking oils
- Coffee grounds
- Cornhusks
- Vegetable skins
Don’t Overtighten Plumbing Connections
There’s a reason that old adage “hand-tight is just right” has stood the test of time. When it comes to fittings and connections, tighten them only as far as you can with your hand. This helps prevent breaking bolts, cracking pipes or porcelain, and stripping screws.
Don’t Hesitate to Call for Help
If you’re in over your head, put down the tools and pick up the phone. Some plumbing work requires seasoned professionals to tackle—and that’s okay. When that happens, you just need to call the right team for assistance.
Choose Martens for All Your Plumbing Needs
Our licensed and bonded plumbers, state-of-the-art materials, and commitment to getting things right the first time set Martens Plumbing above all the rest. Whether you have questions on the plumbing basics or need a major repair, we’re here for you 24/7.
Call us today at 262-363-7146 or contact us online.
