Plumbing 101: A Back-To-School Study Guide on Your Home’s Plumbing System
As everyone gets ready to head back to their classrooms, we want to make sure that you have all the essentials you need to pass the test in Plumbing 101!
This study guide will teach you everything you need to know about you homes plumbing system. Let's get started!
#1 Water Heaters
The average lifespan of your homes water heater is anywhere from 8-12 years and should be inspected regularly to avoid any breakdowns or repairs. However, this could be a trick question! If you have a tankless water heater, the average lifespan on those are 25 years!
#2 Sewer Systems
Make sure you know the 5 warning signs when something has gone wrong with your sewer system.
- Soggy yard (puddles not due to rainfall)
- Greener grass, but haven't been watering it? Sewer is a natural fertilizer so if your yard is looking oddly fresh, call the professionals.
- Foul odor
- Knowing when the sewer line was last inspected & replaced. Sewer lines should be inspected regularly to prevent any damages and extreme messes. Over time sewer lines can be damaged, disintegrate, or can be broken by tree roots.
#3 Leaky Faucets
You should never ignore a small leak, a running toilet and a leaky faucet combined can cost you up to 800 gallons of water per day. Fixing a leak as soon as you notice it will save you money and help to avoid mold and other water damage.
#4 Pipe Problems
Not all pipes are created equal, galvanized pipes can corrode much faster than PVC pipes and cause a nightmare for any homeowner. If you are having trouble with water pressure, your home’s pipes might be the first place to check.
#5 Clogged drains
Clogged drains can wreck your plumbing system! Clogged drains can cause flooding, sewage back up, and low water pressure. Avoid putting harsh chemicals, grease, or hair down your drain to avoid any problems.
#6 Water Quality Testing
While your kids are acing their math tests, be sure that your home is passing its water quality tests! Although U.S. tap water supplies are considered to be among the safest in the world, water contamination can still occur. Contaminants can come from sewage releases, naturally occurring chemicals and minerals, local land-use practices, manufacturing processes and malfunctioning on-site wastewater treatment systems.
#7 Flushing Failures
Flushable wipes are not flushable. Toilets and toys do not mix. Toilet safety locks are a new parent’s best friend. If you're not in this boat, but your toilet is still filling slowly it could be any of these three flushing failures.
- Water supply valve malfunctioning
- The floatball is water clogged
- Fill valve tube is not working
#8 Know Your Options
If your home could use some after-school help, your options are endless with the team at Knight's Plumbing! Call us today to get your plumbing in tip-top shape. 281-480-0733
The team at Knight's Plumbing would like to wish all of the students, teachers and staff a safe and successful school year. And remember, if your home could use a lesson in Plumbing 101, simply give our team a call to book today.