Most of us have an innate fear of plumbing… probably because water has the potential to cause serious damage if disaster strikes. Most plumbing problems revolve around one of three things: clogs, leaks, or drips. It pays to be familiar with your plumbing system so you can minimize the damage caused by plumbing problems and save money by fixing minor issues on your own.

The first thing to know is where the main water shutoff valve is in your home. If you don’t know, call a plumber and have them come over and show you. You may need some tools to turn off the water valve, and so if that’s the case, keep them handy so you aren’t trying to find them in an emergency! Being able to shut your water off at the main valve can be vital to reducing damage to your home if a pipe bursts or something goes wrong.

Plumbing appliances (sinks, toilets, etc.) often have individual shutoff valves and it’s worth knowing where these are and to verify they work.  If the valves fail to turn off water to the appliance, you should have them fixed by a professional plumber. These valves come in handy when the need arises to repair individual appliances. If an appliance has no valves, you will need to shut off your water at the main valve to repair it.

In terms of those common plumbing problems, most of us have experienced clogged drains and toilets at one point or another. But there’s actually a lot you can do to prevent clogs in the first place. For instance, don’t use your kitchen sink as a disposal system for food.  Grease is one of the worst offenders as it can build up in the drain and other items stick to it. Instead, pour grease into a container (a metal can or something else heat resistant) until it cools and then throw it out. In the tub or shower, invest in an inexpensive hair trap or screen to prevent the majority of hair and soap scum from going down the drain.

Maintaining your drains on a weekly basis is also a good idea to keep your pipes clear.  One way to do this is to pour equal amounts of a salt, baking soda and vinegar down the drain and to follow that with boiling water. 
If you do encounter a clog, don’t panic. Clogs and slow drains most commonly occur in areas that can be easily cleared on your own without the help of a pro. First, try a plunger. If that fails, you can also try chemical clog removers. Follow the directions for use on the package closely though, as they are dangerous chemicals.

When it comes to leaks and drips, there’s a lot of help available out there through the internet. Many websites offer do-it-yourself videos to walk you through quick fixes. Try searching “How to fix a leaky faucet” on the Internet and you’ll be amazed at what comes up. Often, you can at least figure out a stopgap measure to deal with the problem until you can get a professional plumber to sort it out.

Remember, don’t be afraid of plumbing projects. Many plumbing repair projects don’t require the help of a professional. Replacing faucets, sinks, and toilets are all easily accomplished if you have the right tools and information. At BAC, we have qualified staff on site to answer your plumbing questions, so the next time you’re in the neighbourhood, drop by and see us!

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