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Plumbing Basics Every Homeowner Should Know 

Every homeowner should have an understanding of plumbing basics. They should be able to locate and shut off the water supply for all of the appliances in their home, and know how to unclog a blocked drain. You should also know how to check for leaks and make sure all of your appliances are running properly. 

Shut off the water supply to each appliance 

There are plenty of reasons to shut off the water supply to each appliance in your home. These include leaks, maintenance, and emergencies. You may not have time to do it yourself, but a little planning will ensure you’re not left in the dark when it comes to shutting off your plumbing. 

Having a good understanding of the various water valves in your home will be invaluable to you in the event of a leak or plumbing emergency. It can also help you save money and time in the long run. If you need a professional plumber in Gawler, go online and search for reputable plumbing companies to help with your plumbing needs. 

The main water supply is the logical starting point, but you’ll need to move things out of the way to get to the shutoff valves. The most obvious ones are located under sinks and under the shower. Other appliances have individual water shutoff valves. 

The main reason for turning off the water supply to each device is to avoid flooding and damage to your home. Flooding and damage to your home can be expensive and take a toll on your wallet. However, having the proper knowledge of what the heck a valve is can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your possessions intact. 

Locate the shutoff valves 

Located inside the house or buried underground, shutoff valves are an important part of plumbing. These devices prevent leaking water from causing costly repairs. A shutoff valve can be tricky to find, though. Here are a few tips to locate yours. 

Every home has a main shutoff valve. It is important to know where this is so you can shut off the water supply in an emergency. If you don’t know where it is, you could cause massive water damage. 

Typically, the main water shutoff valve is located near the plumbing entry point. This is often in the basement. However, it can be anywhere from the front of your home to the back. When searching for this valve, you should not hide it behind a wall. You will need a wrench or meter key to open the shutoff. 

There are many types of shutoff valves. Some look like a small wheel or lever, while others are made of plastic or bronze. They are normally installed in basements, but you may have one in the crawl space. 

Unclog blocked drains 

When a clog is encountered, there are a number of options to unclog the drain. However, the choice depends on where the clog is located. For instance, a sink drain

may not be able to handle a plunger. 

In contrast, a toilet can be unclogged with a plunger. To unclog a sink, you’ll need a plunger and some tools. 

First, you’ll need to remove the stopper. You can do this by using pliers. If the clog is at the drain hole, you can also plug it with a cloth rag. 

Then, you’ll want to pour some boiling water down the clogged drain. This will help loosen up the clog, as well as flush the leftover debris. 

You can also try a baking soda and vinegar mixture. After mixing these two ingredients, let them sit for about 15 minutes. 

Another solution is to use a drain snake. Using a drain snake requires a little more work, but it’s a great option for unclogging a toilet or a sink. 

Check for leaks 

If you live in a residential area, it’s important to check for leaks in your plumbing. It’s often necessary to have these problems repaired by a professional. Using a plumbing visualizer allows you to see inside your drains, indicating any leaks. Also, check your water meter for leaks and check back two hours later to make sure no water has been drained. 

When you do this, look for signs that there is a problem, such as a leaky faucet, water stains on your carpet or tub, a stained ceiling, or a gap between the walls. Taking action can minimize damage to your home and prevent personal injury. Other warning signs are water leaking out of the pipes on the roof, or if there are holes in the air conditioner. 

To check for leaks in your plumbing, you can use a free board of water supply test tablets. You can also try to pinpoint the leak’s location with a bathroom leak location detector.

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