A trend that has continued into 2021 is the housing market in Southwest Michigan is booming, with homes on the market one minute, then gone the next. With so many people in the region moving into new homes and maybe even becoming homeowners for the first time, we wanted to provide information to help people get acquainted with their new plumbing systems.
We want to help prevent any Tim the Toolman Taylor DIY mishaps with your plumbing so if you need some basic knowledge to prepare for the unexpected, below you’ll find some DIY plumbing tips and tricks.
Tip #1: Do Your Research
The more research you do before starting a plumbing DIY project, the better! You can read manuals if you have them or it’s definitely worth a Google before attempting a plumbing project. You can find out how to do just about anything on Youtube these days!
You need to conduct research before attempting a repair, because it could lead to a big mess or an expensive repair if done incorrectly, like this plumbing disaster clip from Home Improvement where Tim neglects expert advice (as usual!) to do it his way:
Tip #2: The Fix for Noisy Pipes
If you hear squeaking or hammering in your pipes, it can be a fairly easy fix. All you have to do is fasten any pipes that are exposed. However, if the pipes are hidden in the walls, floors, or ceiling, it’s probably best to hire a professional.
Tip #3: Not Every Liquid Should Be Poured Down Drains
While grease, fat, or any oil-based liquids may seem to go down your drain just fine, when they cool, they’ll solidify and clog your drain. Plus, they can even damage your garbage disposal and cause it to be less efficient. If you have to guess on whether to pour or not to pour down the drain, just play it safe and don’t do it.
Tip #4: Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Do not use harsh chemicals to clean or treat your toilet. Yes, they are effective at removing odors, but they can have a damaging effect on the parts of the toilet that are rubber, potentially causing it not function properly and possibly even break it.
Tip #5: Use Cold Water When Running Your Garbage Disposal
Using cold water can make your disposal run smoother and also preserves the sharpness of the blades. Hot water is not recommended because it liquifies greasy products, which can cause a clog further down in your drain once it cools and thickens.
Tip #6: Clean Overflow Holes Regularly
Do yourself a favor, and take a look at your fixtures to make sure the overflow holes are clear of debris and other build-up. If your sink starts to overflow, the water will run into the overflow holes, this might not be a huge issue, unless they are clogged. Clean overflow holes annually at the very least to prevent a mess in your home.
Tip #7: Know Where Your Water Shut-Offs Are Located
Always know where your water shut-offs are, including the one from the main water supply (like the one that connects you to the city) as well as the shut-offs under each fixture.
Summary
Let’s face it, plumbing problems are never convenient and can happen just about anytime, even if you follow the tips presented above. So it’s always a good idea to have a plumber’s phone number on hand in case of an emergency. FYI – Our phone number is 269-468-6682, and we have real people answering our phones 24 hours a day with plumbers ready to come help whether it’s 3am or 3pm.
If you’re a new homeowner in the area and or recently moved and found the home of your dreams, congrats! If you have any questions about your HVAC, plumbing, or electrical systems, we are always happy to come out to your home for a consultation!
