A basic knowledge of your home’s plumbing system can save you time and money. This knowledge can also prevent serious water damage to your home. While there are some problems that require the professional expertise of companies like C. James Plumbing & Heating, homeowners who know a thing or two about plumbing basics will always fare better. Here are 5 things all homeowners should know in the event there is a plumbing emergency. Shutting Off the Main Water Supply to the House Burst pipes damage homes every day. Homeowners who can quickly locate the main water valve shut-off will reduce the risk of extensive damage. The main water valve is where the water comes into the home from the outside line. This valve is usually located in the basement of the home. In homes without basements, this valve may be found in the garage or a utility closet that has an exterior wall. Practice turning this valve off so that you’re prepared in the event an emergency occurs. Unclogging a Toilet Toilets clog for many reasons. Usually, the culprit is too much toilet paper, too much waste buildup, or the occasional toy your toddler decided to flush. Whatever the reason for the clog, you can save money by trying to resolve the situation yourself before calling a plumber. When a clog forms, the best strategy is to use a plunger. There are different types of plungers available. Make sure you get one made for the toilet. Do not get a flat plunger. Toilets are not flat, and plungers with flat attachments will not create enough suction. If you plunge the toilet and the clog dissipates but returns, you may need to call a plumber. It’s possible that whatever is causing the obstruction is located past the trap where the average household plunger is unable to reach. Fixing a Running Toilet A toilet that runs constantly is a toilet that is leaking water into the tank. These leaks can cost hundreds of extra dollars on your water bill if left alone for days, weeks, or months. Lift the lid to the tank and take a look at the interior components. If they are broken, you can easily fix these by visiting the local hardware store. Replacing a damaged flapper, a broken chain, or an inoperable flush-valve unit is straightforward and takes as little as 15 minutes with the right tools and knowledge. Resetting a Garbage Disposal The biggest waste of money is calling a plumber to help you reset your garbage disposal, but everyday plumbers are called out to homes to do this simple task. The problem is that most homeowners don’t realize that when their garbage disposal stops suddenly, this is the issue. Instead, they automatically assume the worst. While you may need plumbing service, try resetting the disposal first. The reset button is red or black and is found on the underside of most units beneath the kitchen sink. Turn off the disposal, press and hold the reset button then try turning the unit on. If this does not work, call your local plumber for further testing. Adjusting the Water Heater Temperature If your water is turning cooler faster than normal, it may be that your heater’s thermostat needs to be adjusted. Most water heaters have three settings. The middle setting is for optimal performance without using excessive amounts of energy. Sometimes the thermostat on these heaters gets bumped. If the thermostat isn’t the problem, you’ll probably need to call a plumber because it could be a bad heating element or sediment in the tank. Plumbing companies like C. James Plumbing & Heating don’t want to lose business, but they acknowledge there are some things that homeowners can do to keep plumbing costs low. Of course, never hesitate to call a plumber if you’re unsure about a simple maintenance procedure. Plumbing can be expensive to repair and you don’t want a mistake on your part to end up costing you a fortune.
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