Translating…
Chances are you never really think about the plumbing in your home unless something goes wrong. It’s just one of those things we use multiple times every day that’s part of the backdrop of life, and most of us have little idea how to fix problems that arise. There are some quick fix tips and money-saving ideas, however, that you would benefit by learning. A general overview of some of these tips follows.
Some things can be added to any plumbing system that will make it more efficient and less costly to operate. The new tankless style water heater is a real asset for any home. These models are small and compact, because they don’t need large tanks to store water in. Instead of having to pay to keep heated water stored at all times, the tankless water heaters heat the water only as you need it. Although these units are somewhat expensive to install, you will recoup your expenses by the savings on your monthly utility bills. If you do still have a model with a tank, though, you need to make sure that there is never any water around it. Water could be indicative of a leak which will only get worse. Know how to shut it off in case of leaks.
Many people feel the effects of frozen water pipes during the winter months. In some cases, they might not even know what’s causing the problem, because it may be hiding in the walls. Water lines should never be run along outside walls without the benefit of insulation. If your pipes freeze often, there could be something that you’re not seeing. Insulate any pipes are visible and which could be contributing to the problem, and if that doesn’t fix it, you’ll need to call a plumber who’ll be able to root out the source of the troubles. If you’re tempted to just try living with frozen pipes instead of paying a plumber, think again. Frozen pipes could burst leaving you with much more severe issues.
Simple jobs, such as tightening pipes that are leaking, can be attempted by a home handyman. However, make sure not to over-tighten them, because that could crack them or damage the threads. Just tighten a little at a time until the leak stops. Another thing that everyone in your household should know about, is how to turn off the water valves in order to stop leaks before they do a lot of damage. This knowledge can be important in common cases like an overflowing toilet or a plugged sink, and you won’t always be home when something happens to turn the water off for them.
If you wind up needing a plumber in spite of your own best efforts, contact the Consumer Affairs department to check on a potential candidate’s licensing and feedback. This can help you weed out bad plumbers and find one that you can trust to have the skills and experience needed to handle the tough jobs.