Most homeowners aren’t plumbers. This is a fact. No one ever said you had to be; that’s what plumbers are for! So why should you ever have to know anything about plumbing? The answer is simple: to avoid everyday blunders that could create an issue when you might desperately NEED a plumber’s assistance. Although we are always ready, we know that you’d rather call for a leaky sink than a flooded basement!

So here are 3 plumbing tips that every homeowner should know about to avoid any harmful and potentially expensive blunders!

1. How to shut off the water

Picture this: your daughter’s boyfriend fancies himself a handyman. One night while you sit down to dinner and complain of the sound of that darn toilet running, he gets the bright idea to earn brownie points by playing plumber and saving the day! By fixing your toilet, he looks good in front of your daughter and makes an impression on you! Now picture the reality; he doesn’t save the day. In fact, he ruins it by unscrewing something that shouldn’t even be touched WITHOUT turning off the water first. When performing any kind of potentially water-heavy plumbing procedure, shutting off the main water line is imperative! Be sure that in any emergency involving water, you simply shut the water off by turning off the main water supply. It’s simple….”Righty tighty, lefty loosey!”

2. Avoid chemical drain cleaners whenever possible

Although we understand that occasionally a bottle of Drain-O might be pretty tempting, avoid it if you can! Chemical drain cleaners are harsh on your pipes, wearing them down and causing them to rust over time. Granted, if you have a one-time (and we mean one) issue, it’s unlikely that this remedy will do too much damage. Never use drain cleaners as a go-to option. Start out with combinations of hot water, vinegar, and baking soda. These healthy home remedies are easy to make and work nearly as well as chemicals that can harm your pipes. And for any clogs that you just can’t beat. Call in the experts!

3. Don’t use an auger if you haven’t been trained

This one might sound harsh, but this plumbing staple is for experts who have been trained to use it. An auger can be an effective unclogging tool but can also cause damage if used incorrectly. If you get the urge to use plumbing tools other than a plunger, be sure that you are well-educated on how they are meant to be used! Many plumbing calls are the result of a “do it yourself” attempt gone wrong!

Remember, keeping an expert plumber’s number around in an emergency is a must…almost worthy of being tip number 4! Be sure to call F.H. Furr if you run into a plumbing problem you can’t fix. It’s usually cheaper to repair than to replace! Be knowledgeable about your home and its’ plumbing! Give us a call for more information or to have a plumber come out to your home for free*!