General household repairs can be overwhelming when you do not have a firm understanding of how things work. Knowing the basics of your plumbing, for example, can help you prevent inconvenient and even disastrous plumbing problems. This article brought to you by Mr. Rooter Plumbing should give you some insight on your kitchen plumbing. We won't get into the nitty gritty technicalities, but these tips and nuggets of information should help guide you toward a solution. At the very least, it should help you minimize damage. You are always welcomed to call Mr. Rooter Plumbing when you need emergency repairs, replacements, or even maintenance. We are available around the clock.
How to Shut Off the Water
Let's face it: a burst pipe is every homeowner's plumbing nightmare. Unfortunately, the water in these pipes is pressurized, meaning a burst pipe can flood your floors with tens of gallons of water per minute. Your first order of business during such an emergency is to shut off the water, but how? Your faucet handles are no use here. You have to head to the water shutoff valve and cut off the water supply at its source.
If you do not know what the water shutoff valve is, then you certainly do not know where to find it. The good news is it is located on your property. The bad news is it can be found in on of a variety of locations. Most commonly, it is found either in the basement near the front foundation wall or near the water heater. It can also be located in the crawl space. The folks at Mr. Rooter Plumbing are always happy to have a nearby plumber sent to your location to show you.
How to Read Your Water Meter
The amount of water used by your household is measured with the water meter. In most homes, this measuring device is located in a box outside near the curb or on the side of your building. It can also be found indoors near the water valve. Tracking your water meter can help you detect hidden water leaks before symptoms appear.
Older models use analog meters, but digital types are becoming more popular. The digital water meters are straightforward to read. The screen will display the number of gallons or cubic feet. Reading an analog water meter is more like telling the time on a clock. There will be a dial with a needle moving around through the numbers zero to nine. In the middle of the dial is a row of numbers that looks like an odometer on a car.
Dealing with Clogged Drains
One of the most common reasons customers call Mr. Rooter Plumbing is to deal with clogged drains. A blockage can slow drainage, cause water or sewage backups, and even lead to leaks and water damage. Installing a drain filter, garbage disposal, and grease trap should help reduce the risk of clogging. Still, you should rinse drains with hot water once every week and with vinegar and baking soda once every few months. This can make sure your kitchen is not overcome with foul odors and your drains continue flushing properly.