Congratulations! You just bought your new home or you’ve moved to another area. But, before moving in, you’d better check everything carefully to avoid future troubles. In particular, plumbing require your special attention.
The first thing you must consider is the quality of tap water. Although many prefer not to drink tap water, you should know that it is safe for drinking. However, the quality of the water depends very much on the area where you live. So, if you have any doubts regarding water quality or want to protect yourself by pollutants, bacteria or nitrates you might consider installing a filtering system. These water filtration systems come in a wide range of types and models and can be installed very easily.
Check the Plumbing System
Leaks: First of all, you should check if there are some leaks in the home plumbing system. This is extremely important, because any potential leak if not detected in time, can lead to serious and costly damages. A leak can affect irremediably compromise walls and ceilings.
Gutters: Make sure exterior gutters are in good condition, otherwise rainwater can easily seep inside through the insulation and walls.
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The Main Shut-off Valve: This is a critical issue for the buildings without it. The main shut-off valve may limit the damage in case a pipe bursts and water can flood your entire house. It is smart to install the main shutoff valve, if your new home does not have one installed.
Toilet, Bathroom Plumbing, Faucets and Pipes: Inspect carefully all the visible pipes, sinks, toilets, bathroom tub and faucets for drips and leaks. You can easily detect if there are problems. You have only to look after any signs that may indicate a leak problem such as stains, wet streaks or the presence of mold.
However, many minor problems can be solved even, by you. You do not have to be a professional plumber to do that. There are many plumbing accessories that can be installed easily. You only have to read the instructions carefully, and to ask for expert advice from the hardware store.
Repair any bathroom or kitchen faucets that drip or leak. You can save a large amount of money every year just by replacing a washer. It is easy. You need only to shut off the valve that is underneath the sink and then to take apart your faucet and remove the washer. It is a good idea to take the washer with you to the hardware store, because there are many types of them and you need the right one.
You can also fix many minor problems of a leaky toilet. Maybe you need only to replace the rubber piece or to adjust the floating device. However, if the mechanism is quite old and obsolete perhaps, it is not a bad idea to buy a brand new one. They are not expensive and can save you time and money in a long run.
Leaky hoses and shower-heads can generally, be fixed by unscrewing the hose of the shower-head, applying on several turns of plumbing tape and reattaching back the shower hose.
Even if you have a leak, you can temporarily handle the situation by applying several turns of adhesive tapes and covering the place with a piece of rubber garden house. Tighten everything with a pipe ring and apply again adhesive tape. At the moment, your leak will stop and you can call a plumber.
Copper Plumbing – Advantages and Disadvantages | How To Build A House (howtobuildahouseblog.com)
