5 Plumbing Tricks You Should Know

Plumbing jobs are not for everyone. Many people prefer to avoid getting wet and dealing with the mess caused by leaky faucets and rusty pipes. Yes, you can almost always hire a reliable plumbing service to do the job for you, but having a little plumbing knowledge never hurts.

This blog post lists some easy and practical plumbing tricks that everyone can use to make life easier and handle basic plumbing tasks.

1. Know Where the Shut-Off Valves Are

Shut-off valves, also known as cut-off valves, are designed to stop the water supply to a specific plumbing fixture or appliance. When performing a repair, turn off the appropriate shut-off valve instead of shutting off the main water supply to the entire house.

This is a helpful trick that everyone should know. To use shut-off valves effectively, you must first know where they are located. They are typically found near the fixtures or appliances they supply with water.

Look for them behind or underneath the fixture, on the wall, or nearby. Identify which valve controls each fixture or appliance. You can also label the valves with words or symbols for quick reference.

2. Don't Flush Everything Down the Toilet

It has become common practice to flush almost anything and everything down the toilet. However, this is a bad habit. Only human waste and toilet paper should generally be flushed. Keep this in mind: if you flush inappropriate items, you risk clogging your toilet.

If your toilet becomes clogged, a plunger can be your best friend. Place the plunger over the drain opening to create a seal, then push and pull the handle several times. This motion creates pressure changes that can help dislodge the blockage.

Repeat the plunging motion until the blockage clears. To save time and effort, avoid using your toilet as a waste bin. Place a trash can in your bathroom instead to discourage yourself and others from flushing inappropriate items.

3. Fix Leaks Promptly

Even a small drip should not be ignored. A minor leak can develop into a bigger problem if you fail to address it promptly. A leaky faucet can waste several gallons of water per day, while a continuously running toilet can waste significantly more. This represents a substantial waste of a precious resource.

Fortunately, many leaky faucets can be repaired without much difficulty. A common cause is a worn or damaged rubber seal inside the faucet. Depending on the faucet's design, these seals may include washers or O-rings that can crack or deteriorate over time.

If you disassemble the faucet, you may find these seals beneath the handle or inside the faucet assembly. You can usually purchase replacements at a hardware store. Take the old seal with you to ensure you buy the correct size and type.

If you are unsure how to replace the seal or do not want to handle the repair yourself, you can always hire a professional plumber.

4. Avoid Using Chemical Drain Openers Frequently

Pipes can become clogged, making it necessary to clear the blockage. Many chemical drain openers are available in stores, but some can be hazardous  and may damage certain plumbing materials. Avoid using them. If you must use one, follow the product label's instructions and safety precautions carefully.

Some drain cleaners release hazardous fumes or can cause severe chemical burns. Never mix different drain-cleaning products or combine them with other household chemicals. Use appropriate protective equipment and ensure adequate ventilation as directed on the product label. If the label advises you to leave the area, follow that instruction.

Some people become so frustrated with clogged pipes that they resort to using concentrated acids to clear them. This is extremely dangerous and should be avoided.

When purchasing a chemical drain opener, read the label carefully. Check the ingredients, its intended use, and safety instructions, and make sure the product is suitable for your plumbing system.

You can also consider alternative methods of clearing a drain. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar is sometimes suggested as a household remedy, but it may not be effective against stubborn clogs. A plunger or a drain snake can often be more effective. A drain snake can reach into the pipe and remove debris causing the blockage.

5. Use Plumber's Tape Correctly

Plumber's tape, also known as thread-seal tape or PTFE tape, is useful for certain plumbing applications. It is commonly available in white and yellow varieties. White tape is often used for water-pipe connections, while yellow tape is commonly used for gas-pipe connections. However, always check the tape's specifications to ensure it is suitable for the intended application.

This tape helps seal threaded pipe connections and can prevent leaks when used correctly. It comes in different widths and thicknesses, so choose the appropriate type for your specific plumbing needs.

Plumber's tape is particularly useful for compatible threaded pipe joints and fittings. When applied properly, it can help prevent leaks without requiring you to replace an entire pipe. However, it is not suitable for every type of connection and will not repair a damaged pipe or a leaking joint that requires a different type of seal.

Final Thoughts: Keep These Plumbing Tips in Mind

These are some simple plumbing tricks and tips everyone should know. By applying them, you can handle minor plumbing issues and prevent some problems from getting worse.

Sometimes, a little precaution goes a long way toward protecting your plumbing fixtures and equipment. We hope these practical tips will help you manage common plumbing problems more effectively in your everyday life.