Homeowner Plumbing 101
While we are always happy to have your business, the good folk at John The Plumber Orleans feel everybody should have a basic knowledge of your home plumbing. Learning the basics can save you huge headaches and a pile of money in the long run, so below we have provided some Homeowner Plumbing 101 tips that every residential homeowner should simply know.
Your Shut Off Valves
The majority of homes today will have shut off valves installed at the base of your toilet and underneath your sinks. Take a look and make sure they are working and not leaking or corroded. The inside and outside pipes and valves are all connected throughout your home; knowing the location of your shut off valve inside your home for your garden hose outside is important. It is critical you know where it is, that you shut it off before winter and that you also drain out any residual water in order to prevent ice buildup and cracked pipes.
Your Main Water Supply
Knowing where your main water supply is located is key. Emergency instances can occur where you may need to shut down your water supply immediately. Lacking this knowledge could potentially cost you a lot. It’s a good question to ask a homeowner about as well if you happen to be house-sitting for a few days. Most main water supplies in Orleans are found in the basement of your home; head downstairs and take a look around. Albeit not always the case, you will generally find the main water supply is located on the side closest to the city street. The first thing you should do when you purchase a new home is to find where the main water supply is and take a look at the shut off valves.
Your Water Meter $$$
Upon purchasing a home, you should have a good idea of what the average water bill is for the size of your home and its occupants. A toilet that is continually running can literally triple a water bill in one month! Knowing what the average is in your Orleans neighbourhood is practical knowledge everyone should be aware of. It is also worthwhile to know where your drain pipes are located in your home and how they work. Having a clear understanding of how your sump pump operates if you have one, what it is for and a basic understanding as to how it works as well is also an important thing to know.
Having knowledge of these items can save you from expensive bills and the disaster of your basement flooding.
