For anyone who owns their own home, damage limitation is one of the most important aspects of looking after it. Unfortunately, water can be one of the most damaging substances that a building can be exposed to. The channelling of water through the pipes in your house leaves the building open to a large possibility of an incident occurring resulting in the leaking of water – and consequently, the damage which can be done.
It is a good idea, therefore, for homeowners to not only have a basic understanding of how plumbing systems work but also have a set of tools on hand – and know how to use them. By having a little plumbing knowledge, you can save yourself a massive amount of time and money when it comes to plumbing repairs.
There are of course some plumbing emergencies which are better resolved by a plumber – such as a burst water pipe, for example, but issues such as leaking taps or blocked toilets can usually be quickly resolved.
Tools
To be able to deal effectively with plumbing incidents there are a few essential tools which should be on hand so that the problem can be fixed straight away – the sooner that you can resolve the problem, the less damage will be done.
Before anything, it is important that you know where it is that you can stop the water – you cannot do anything with the plumbing if there is still water running through the system – also remember that once you have turned the water off, there may still be some water inside the pipes.
- Plunger – A plunger can sort out many blockages from embarrassing small ones to larger obstructions. Keep it at hand so that everyone can use it if need be.
- Adjustable Wrenches – Try to keep a collection of adjustable wrenches so that you can tighten or loosen joints or valves independent of their size.
- Large Bucket – Make sure that you have a large bucket close by as soon as you start your plumbing. The bucket can catch any water and help to prevent damage to the building.
- Teflon Tape – Or ‘plumber's tape' is a great tool to make sure that pipe joints and joints to taps, etc. are well sealed.
- Caulk and Caulk Gun – It is always useful to have caulk and caulk gun close by so that you can repair the seams in the shower, or install features such as ceramic sinks, quicker.
- Tools for CPVC, Galvanised or Copper Pipes – Depending on the type of pipes that you have in your house, get the tools for the right kind, giving you the ability to carry out minor repairs.
It is also important that you understand how to use some of these tools before using them as it may make the situation worse. However, these tools in the right hands can give you security and assurance that if there happens to be a problem, it can at least partly be resolved quickly. There are of course some plumbing issues which are better addressed by a qualified plumber.
For more information about the plumbing services offered here at McKenna Plumbing, get in touch today.