The average person in the UK uses around 150 litres of water every single day, and if you have a teenage daughter you’ll know that some people use a lot more than others! From washing to drinking and cooking, we use water all the time and take our plumbing for granted. Thankfully if we’ve fitted your new bathroom or kitchen then you’ll know what good work professional plumbers can be, but there are still things you need to know about the basic plumbing in your home and we’ve got some handy plumbing tips for you.
Our Top 5 Plumbing Tips Every Home Needs
Gutters and Guttering
Gutters can be a huge problem in a home and if not kept clear at least once a year, you could end up with longer lasting problems! Gutter clearing is advised in late autumn, and will ensure your gutters flow more efficiently, leaving you clear of any water build up.
Pipes
While pipe work is best left to professional plumbers, you still have to be aware of them! If you’re doing any work around the home, consider where your pipes might be, especially in the bathroom or kitchen because drilling into one can cause you some huge problems.
Blockages
There’s nothing worse than blocked pipes, and the number one cause of blockages is grease poured down the sink! While lots of people run grease down the sink and run it through, it’s not advise and it can get into the water source. The best way to get rid of grease is to freeze it and then throw it away with your usual waste.
Overflowing Toilets
There’s no bigger emergency than the overflowing toilet, and if the level of the water is rising faster than you can sort the problem, it can soon lead to a big mess! While you’re looking for the water valve and the plunger, run other taps in your home to prevent the toilet bowl filling too quickly!
The Water Valve or Water Stop Tap
Of all the things listed above, the water valve should be on the top of your list of priorities and is one of the best plumbing tips we can give you. The moment you move into a new home, locate it and remember where it is as turning the water off is the first port of call for any emergency! And don’t just forget about it until you need it, at least once a year you should be oiling the valve to ensure you can turn it in any emergency!
Lots of basic plumbing is common sense, but it’s equally as important to leave the big jobs to the experts. Plumbing is a science and when it comes to replumbing, laying pipes or any large plumbing jobs, we’d advise you contact us and leave the big jobs to the professionals! That said, using the plumbing tips above, and employing a little practical common sense can ensure you’re less likely to need to call out a professional plumber, because a well maintained system, makes for a happy home!