Basics you should know about your home plumbing

Anyone living in a house or apartment will do well to know the basics of their home’s plumbing systems, in case of an emergency. Once water starts leaking from a burst pipe, or from your geyser, damage to the property happens quickly and if you don’t know certain basics of your houses plumbing systems, renovation bills can become large quite quickly. In this short article, a qualified Cape Town plumber will give advice on what you should know and what tools are part of a plumber’s emergency kit.

Plumbing system tips

Main shut off valve – It is always a good idea to locate the main water shut-off valve for your home. In case you any water leak or problem, you can just shut off the water supply to your home until a professional can have a look and fix the situation

Isolation valves – Usually each fixture in your home will have an individual shut off valve, allowing you to turn off water to that fixture only, while water keeps flowing to the other outlets. If you know the specific location of a plumbing problem, this allows you to isolate it very effectively. It generally is a good idea to test these isolation valves once a year, by turning them on and off again, to make sure they are in good condition, as there is nothing worse than a faulty isolation valve.

Water heater shut off – Generally, you can turn off your electric water heater at the main electrical panel in the house. In case of any geyser problems, it is important to switch it off immediately and call in a professional plumber.

Home plumbing tools

While nobody is expected to own a plumber’s snake, certain tools from around the house can be useful to fix small plumbing problems. Here a short list of what can come in handy in case of a plumbing problem

Wrench

Wrench – One of the most essential plumbing tools, and any plumber will usually have a couple in different shapes and sizes. For home repairs, one is good, two is usually ideal as you can arrange them to turn in opposite directions, which means the wrenches absorb the stress and not whatever you are working on

Screwdrivers and Allen keys – not only does an assortment of screwdrivers come in handy in any home, they are also essential for any plumbing repair.

Bucket – Not only can you use a bucket like a golf bag to carry your tools around, but in case of a leak it can catch any water flowing

Plumber’s Helper

Plunger – Also known as a plumber’s helper, this is really something everyone should have in their home. There are different types of plungers, each one with its own specific use and different strengths. A regular plunger will work in most circumstances to help you unclog a drain

Duct tape – Very useful for sealing leaks or cracks in a pipe, but only as a temporary solution! Alternatively, you can also use teflon tape until a permanent fix can be made

Contact Laws Plumbing

To find out how to get a free plumbing inspection of your home or if you have a plumbing problem you want a professional plumber to look at, you can either call us directly on 078 225 9939 or send us a quick message and we will get back to you