The longer you own a home, the more you learn about how to keep it safe and functional, whether it’s knowing how often you should replace your air filter or troubleshooting a faulty furnace. Plumbing is no different—and the experts at Martens Plumbing & Heating are sharing five simple plumbing tips that all homeowners should know. Read them over, then call us if you’re still having plumbing trouble: 262-363-7146.
1. Know Where the Water Shut off Valves Are
In case of emergencies—or if your sewer lines need to be cleaned out—you may have to shut off water to the entire house rather than just a single room. Knowing where the main shut off valve is can help you save time and plumbing headaches down the road.
2. Understand What Can and Can’t Go Down Drains
Be selective about what you’re putting down the drains, both in your kitchen and in the bathroom. Throw out things like coffee grounds, grease, and food scraps rather than letting your garbage disposal handle them—otherwise, you’ll have clogged pipes to deal with. Don’t confuse your toilet with a garbage can, either. Flushing anything other than toilet paper (“flushable” wipes included) will lead to system backups and future plumbing repairs.
3. Fix Leaky Fixtures Right Away
Leaky faucets and running toilets are more than just annoying to listen to—they are also huge water wasters. When neglected, leaking faucets can waste up to eight gallons of water per day, while a running toilet can waste up to a whopping 200 gallons per day. Save yourself the hassle down the road and fix these simple problems right when you notice them.
4. “Hand-Tight Is Just Right”
If you’re planning to tackle some simpler plumbing projects yourself—such as cleaning out sink traps, for example—make sure you don’t overtighten fittings and connections. Abide by the “hand-tight is just right” adage: Tighten plumbing connections by hand to prevent breaking bolts, cracking pipes or porcelain, and stripping screws. If you’re not sure your fittings are right, know that you can always contact our expert plumbers for help.
5. Get Rid of Clogs Without Chemicals
Pouring drain-clearing chemicals to remove clogs might seem like a good idea, but it can actually cause more harm than good. Instead, opt for a drain snake when you go to the hardware store. Fish that snake down your clogged drain—it’ll catch most of the hair and other debris without harming your pipes in the process.
For Plumbing Problems of All Sizes, Trust the Pros at Martens
If you still have questions or need more plumbing tips, don’t sweat it—Martens Plumbing has the answer you’re looking for. We can help you tackle whatever project you need help with, from repairing toilets and tubs to installing brand new sinks. Great service starts with a phone call: 262-363-7146.
