Owning a home comes with many benefits, including the ability to customize your living space and control your own water supply. But it also comes with key responsibilities, such as regular plumbing inspections and maintenance to prevent unexpected issues like hidden leaks or low water pressure.
Knowing how your home’s plumbing system works is essential for effective troubleshooting and preventing costly repairs. Read on to learn the most important things every new homeowner should know about their plumbing.
Water Pressure
Water pressure is the force that pushes water through pipes and into your home, affecting how fast it flows from faucets. This is distinct from water flow, which is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Ideal home water pressure ranges between 40 and 60 pounds per square inch (psi).
Many factors affect your water pressure. Your home’s elevation in relation to the water tank or tower, pipe size and condition, clogged drains or showerheads, sediment-laden water heater, and leaks can all contribute to low or high pressure.
Regularly testing your home’s water pressure is a good practice. A pressure gauge can be purchased at any hardware store. To test water pressure, attach the gauge to a faucet and turn it on fully. Record how long it takes for the bucket to fill to get an accurate reading of your home’s water pressure. This is also an excellent
opportunity to clean out any clogged drains and check for the location of your home’s shut-off valve, where you can control the water supply during repairs or emergencies.
Water Meter
The water meter is an important part of the plumbing system in a home. It monitors water usage and helps to identify leaks. A meter also helps to prevent over-usage which can lead to expensive water bills.
A water meter is used to measure water consumption in homes with municipal water service or private wells. They are generally located near the water line where it enters a house, or in a concrete box out front at the curb.
Water meters work like car odometers and can be read manually or automatically. The meter will display two numbers, the METRIC READ and the FLOW RATE. To take a manual reading, shut off all faucets and water-using appliances such as fridge ice makers or washing machines. Then shine a bright flashlight or mobile phone light on the face of your meter.
If the meter continues to spin even after all water appliances are turned off, this could indicate that there is a leak in your house’s Service Line or plumbing within your home. If this is the case, turn off all faucets and appliances in your home and contact a plumber right away.
Shut-Off Valve
Whether you’re dealing with an emergency burst pipe or planning for plumbing repairs, knowing where and how to operate your home’s shut-off valve is essential knowledge for new homeowners. This crucial hardware offers a quick quarter-turn solution for cutting off water flow throughout pipes and lines, preventing catastrophic leaks from spreading while allowing for controlled maintenance.
Shut off valves are round or lever-style devices inserted into a pipe with an internal mechanism controlling flow through gates or balls. These are then connected to an ergonomic valve handle, allowing for opening and closing flow. The valve box cover shields the handle and mechanism from dirt, debris, and weather. To locate your
home’s main shut-off valve, search for a valve box near your property line or in a garage. You should also look for secondary shut-off valves located near toilets and appliances like washing machines and dishwashers. If you find one, locate its access pit and check that the lid is secure.
Sewer Lines
Owning a home comes with new responsibilities, including regular maintenance and repairs to the plumbing system. A few simple steps can prevent costly problems down the road.
A home sewer line carries wastewater from sinks, showers and toilets to the public sewer or a private septic system. The line runs underground from the house to the connecting point, and it is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain this line.
Symptoms of a sewer line problem include slow draining, sewage backup and foul odors. Leaking or collapsed pipes are often the cause, and tree roots are another common culprit. Regular inspections are key to identifying potential problems.
To help keep your home’s drain lines functioning properly, only flush toilet paper and avoid putting cooking grease down the drains. Investing in pipe lining or replacement can also minimize issues down the road. The best way to find out more about your home’s sewer line is to hire a professional. Fix-It Right plumber’s Geelong’s reliable plumber solutions can be a source of education for your plumbing needs.
