Where The Plumbing Things Are!
Let us help you figure out where the plumbing things are in your home with this blog.
Water shut off:
Water shut offs are found at each water fixture (e.g., toilet, sink, washing machine, main home water shut off). Locate the shut off valves on all of your residential plumbing fixtures to help prevent water damage in an emergency situation. Water damage is awful for a variety of reasons. For instance, water damaged wood attracts termites. If you’re in the los angeles area check out termite control los angeles if you need professional help with dealing this type of issue. My friend says they did a really good job.
Sink shut offs are typically under the counter. You can usually find your main home water shut off on your meter or near the water meter for your home. Your water heater has clear shut offs at the top on the lines flowing into the tank. If you do need to turn them during a plumbing repair job off then be slow, they may be older and the turning pressure build up could break them.
Water bills:
Always know how to read your water or energy bills. This will help to catch any over charges or suspected leaks. Your energy or water companies will be happy to explain it to you or also teach you how to read your meter accordingly.
Know your water pressure:
Your water pressure should always be under 80 PSI. Leaks in tanks and other plumbing fixtures can easily be caused by high pressure. All homes should have a pressure reducing valve (PRV). This can help if your neighbourhood is plagued with higher than normal pressure. You can also buy a tester to test the pressure and see if it high.
Know how to shut off your gas:
This doesn’t apply to you if your home is fully electrical and has no gas appliances. Educate yourself on gas shut off location, and learn how to shut off the gas supply to your home or business.
Water heater precautions:
Keep a tank pan under your water heater, and make sure your water heater temperature and pressure relief valve (located on the side of your tank) is not leaking. The average water heater lasts 8-10 years so take note of your tank age and monitor it for leaks as it ages. They will not last forever. A pan under the heater may prevent expensive water damage, or at least prevent it from spreading beyond what a water damage restoration job can fix. A leaking pressure relief valve usually indicates a major problem with that critical protection device on your water heater.
