Let’s start With Knowing How To Shut The Water Off to Our Home
We all know that shutting off the water to your house in case of a plumbing emergency could save you from major water damage. The main shutoff valve will typically be located near where the water supply enters your home, such as a garage. Familiarising yourself with its location and how it operates will ensure that you can immediately stop the water in the case of a pipe burst, slab leak, or any other plumbing system emergency.
It would help if you familiarise yourself with other shutoff valves. For instance, learn how to shut off other valves, such as your toilet and the compression valves under the bathroom and kitchen sinks. Here’s where we go wrong. Sometimes, we know how to shut off the water, but no one else does. Starting in junior high, we should teach our kids how to shut the water off to the house should there be a water leak if you are away. Routine testing of these valves will ensure they can be readily accessed and minimize the likelihood of water damage.
Know How to Shut The Gas Off at The Meter
Learning how to shut off the gas in your home is a critical safety measure that can prevent potentially dangerous situations in the event of a gas leak. The main shutoff valve for gas is typically located by the gas meter, which is usually outside the home on the side of your house. Ask your utility company where the meter is located at your home, carefully examine it, and learn to shut off the gas. Have the correct wrench handy should you need to shut off the gas; this is usually a crescent wrench.
Make sure you understand how to turn it off. Here, we provide a link to the gas company’s tutorial on how to shut your gas off. However, do not shut your gas off in your eagerness to learn because only the gas company can turn it back on. In most cases, it’s as simple as a half-turn counterclockwise with your wrench.
Be aware of the telltale signs of a gas leak, such as the smell of rotten eggs, a hissing sound, and dead vegetation near the gas line. In an emergency, quickly shutting off the gas and evacuating the premises can prevent fires or explosions. Regularly check the accessibility and condition of the gas shutoff valve and train all home occupants how to use it.
Every Homeowner Should Know How to Check For Leaks in Their Plumbing System
Every homeowner should be able to detect household leaks. Not only will it prevent water damage, but it will also lower utility bills and save water should there be a leak in your plumbing system. Did you know that one in every ten households has a water leak in some form, according to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA)? They say it wastes a trillion gallons of water a year. Furthermore, most homeowners don’t know they have a water leak.
Be Proactive and Check for Leaks Every Three or Four Months
The first step in water damage prevention is a proactive look for leaks. Check kitchens and bathrooms regularly, especially under sinks, around the base of washing machines and dishwashers, and near the water heater. Another test is to put a couple of drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and then check the bowl a short time later. You have a leak if the color seeps from the tank into the bowl. Be on the lookout for small leaks before they become big ones.
Most homeowners call a plumber if they feel they have a leak. Save yourself some money and do it yourself. Here is a proactive way to check for water leaks in your home:
- Turn off all the water in your home.
- Locate your water meter; it’s usually down close to the street.
- Remove the meter lid. You may want to spray it for bugs.
- Check the meter for a spinning dial. In most cases, it’s a triangle or round dial that spins; it’s called a flow indicator.
- If the dial is spinning, you have a water leak.
- Let’s dig a little deeper. Locate your landscape shutoff valve and turn it off. Then, recheck the meter wheel. If it stops spinning, the leak is in your landscaping. If it continues spinning, the leak is in your home.
Check Your Water Pressure at The Same Time You Check For Leaks
It’s important to check on your water pressure because high water pressure can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. High pressure puts unnecessary stress on pipes, joints, and fixtures, leading to leaks and busted pipes. Too much pressure can shorten the life of your appliances that use water. Fortunately, it’s easy to test your water pressure at an outdoor spigot with a simple pressure gauge, available at most hardware stores.
The water pressure in your home should be between 40 and 60 psi. Still, if it is higher, consider installing a pressure-reducing valve to maintain a safe, steady pressure around that number, saving your plumbing from unnecessary stress and costly repairs. If you have a pressure-reducing valve already installed, then chances are it needs replacing.
When Should I Replace My Pressure-Reducing Valve (PRV)
It would help if you replaced your Pressure-Reducing Valve (PRV) when you notice any malfunction, including fluctuating or consistently high water pressure, noisy plumbing, or leaks around the valve itself. A PRV typically lasts 10 to 15 years, although its lifespan can vary depending on water quality and system usage. Maintenance checks can help you stay on top of wear and tear. Check the water pressure gauge on your PRV. Your plumbing could be unsafe and inefficient if it registers at 80 psi or higher. Your household fixtures and appliances are at risk of breaking down if the water pressure is too high. While the magic number is 10 to 15 years for replacement, we’ve experienced them going bad in 4 or 5.
When do I replace My Water Heater?
When your water heater comes near the end of its life, you’ll need to replace it. Most water heaters will last for around 8-12 years, plus or minus a few, before they become less efficient, especially if you don’t flush the tank annually. Upon reaching this stage, you’ll notice that your water heater desperately needs a replacement. In fact, there are various telltale signs showing that your heater needs replacing. Look out for inconsistent hot water, unusual noises, rust-colored water, or a leak in your storage tank. You may even experience a sudden drop in efficiency.
However, we can only be certain with a full inspection from a specialist. If you feel your water heater is running out of steam, call your plumber for an inspection. Although we may not always think about it, a good supply of hot water is crucial for our daily quality of life. So, if your water heater is more than eight years old, consider this: new water heaters are as much as 30% more efficient than heaters manufactured ten years ago.
Plumbing Basics and Being Proactive About Your Plumbing System
Knowing the plumbing basics and being proactive about repairs and maintenance will ensure your home is functional and efficient for years. Becoming familiar with the different components of your home’s plumbing system will help you to quickly identify problems so you can take action before they escalate into costly repairs. Be proactive by regularly checking for leaks and monitoring water pressure, and know how to turn off your water and gas at the shutoff valves for emergencies. Staying informed and proactive about your plumbing is essential to your home, the community’s resources, and the conservation of the environment. It will save you money on your water and utility bills, and you will enjoy the peace of mind of having a well-maintained home.
