Plumbing issues are inevitable for every homeowner. From a clogged toilet to dripping faucets, these problems can cause major headaches and leave you scrambling to find a plumber.
Thankfully, these problems can be easily solved with the right tools. This article will explore the essential plumbing tools that every homeowner should have on hand to tackle these pesky household issues.
2. Drain Cleaning
Drains are a crucial part of your home’s plumbing system. Without proper care, they can become blocked with food scraps, hair, soap scum, and more. The result is a stinky, overflowing mess that can affect your quality of life and lead to severe plumbing issues. To keep your drains running smoothly, consider professional drain cleaning services from a local plumber.
Clogged drains aren’t just gross, they can also create a breeding ground for bacteria and even lead to serious plumbing problems like flooding and water back-ups. If you suspect that your drains aren’t working properly, call a plumber as soon as possible. They can inspect your drains and determine the cause of the clog, whether it’s from debris or a more serious issue like a broken pipe or sewer backup.
It’s important to prevent clogs as much as you can, but even the most careful homeowners will sometimes experience them. To help prevent future clogs, install drain covers in your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry rooms to catch any hair, food particles, or other debris that could fall into the pipes. In addition, avoid throwing grease down the drains as it can solidify and cause blockages. Instead, dispose of it in a garbage can.
If you do happen to get a clogged drain, it’s best to use a DIY solution rather than a store-bought chemical cleaner. These chemical cleaners often contain acid that can eat through the material and points of your drain pipes, leaving them damaged and vulnerable to further problems. Instead, try pouring a cup of boiling water down the drain followed by a half cup of baking soda. This simple combination can usually clear out most clogs and is safe for your pipes.
For super stubborn clogs, a professional plumber can use a variety of tools to break up and remove the blockage. One method is called snaking, in which the plumber extends a long, thin cable into your pipes with a hooked end that can hook and break up the clog. Another option is hydro-jetting, in which a pressurized water jet is used to eliminate clogs and other debris from your pipes.
3. Plumbing Fixtures
Plumbing fixtures are the parts of a home or commercial building that connect to and provide water for use in washing, cooking, bathing, and waste disposal. These include basins, sinks, bathtubs, shower heads, hose bibs, and toilets. They come in a variety of styles and designs to suit different tastes and needs. They also serve to accessorize kitchens and bathrooms with fun colors, shapes, and finishes.
In addition to being functional, modern and stylish plumbing fixtures can also improve energy efficiency. If you’re planning a bathroom or kitchen remodel, consider upgrading to low-flow plumbing fixtures that use less water than traditional models. This will save you money on your water bill while helping to protect our limited natural resource.
Another way to reduce your water usage is to install high-efficiency toilets, showerheads, and faucets. These are designed to reduce the amount of water used and provide a similar level of performance as standard models. Additionally, using these products can help reduce your energy bills since they use less electricity to heat water.
When choosing plumbing fixtures, look for those with the WaterSense label. These are approved by the EPA and meet specific performance requirements for water efficiency, so you can be sure that you’re getting the best quality. You can also reduce your water consumption by insulating your hot water heater and using energy-saving appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, ice makers, and water heaters.
Whether you’re installing new fixtures or updating an existing layout, it’s important to follow local plumbing codes and ensure your installation is done correctly. This will help prevent leaks, overflows, and other costly problems down the road.
A professional plumber can help you choose the right plumbing fixtures for your home and budget, and can install them properly so that they last for years to come. They can also help you choose smart home features, like LED lighting and water-saving fixtures, that can save you money on your energy bills.
In addition to reducing water and energy consumption, plumbing fixtures can also improve the comfort of your home. For example, if you have elderly family members or people with disabilities, you can install grab bars and walk-in tubs to make it easier for them to wash themselves and get around. You can also get new faucets that have a touch sensor or flick mixer, which are easy to operate for those with limited mobility.
4. Smart Plumbing Fixtures
Aside from reducing water waste, smart plumbing appliances and fixtures can save time and energy for homeowners. This is because these products can be accessed and monitored remotely via mobile apps, giving you the flexibility to make adjustments even when you’re out of the house. This gives you more time to focus on your responsibilities and helps you avoid the hassle of getting stuck with a high water bill or other plumbing issues.
One of the best features of smart home systems is their ability to provide early warning signs for plumbing issues before they become major problems. For example, a smart system can alert you to water leaks and shut off your water supply when it detects an issue. It can also track your usage data so you can see how much water you’re using and find ways to conserve more.
For more convenience, many smart home plumbing appliances and fixtures can be controlled by voice activation. This feature is useful for busy households, especially those with children or elderly individuals. You can ask your faucet to dispense a specific amount of water, set temperatures, and more. Some even display your real-time water consumption and monitor your water pressure.
Another way to make your home more efficient is by installing a smart water heater. This device is connected to your home Wi-Fi and allows you to access your usage data through an app on your smartphone. It’s easy to manage your water usage, set temperature limits, and improve habits. In addition, you can also use the app to check for any leaks or unusual changes in water pressure.
Whether you’re looking for an innovative and convenient way to conserve water or simply want a more luxurious bathroom experience, these smart plumbing solutions can help you achieve your goals. Talk to a professional plumber today to learn more about the various smart plumbing options available and how you can incorporate them into your home.