You don’t need to call a plumber right immediately for every plumbing problem. In fact, any homeowner in Watertown, CT can do a few basic things to keep their system functioning efficiently. The most important thing is to recognize which problems you can fix on your own and which ones need the help of a plumber Watertown families trust and call when things get worse.
L&P Plumbing advises its customers all the time that being proactive saves money and stops problems before they happen. Here are some simple tweaks and behaviors that can make a significant difference.
Fix the faucet that’s leaking
The amount of water that a dripping faucet wastes each week can raise your utility bills and wear out your fixtures, even though it may not seem like a big deal. A lot of leaks happen because a washer or cartridge is worn out. You can get these parts for a few bucks. It’s easy to do this yourself if you turn off the water.
One person in Watertown said they disregarded a leak for over a year. When they called L&P Plumbing, the sink cabinet had already been damaged by water, which cost more to fix than the faucet itself. The lesson is to fix it early.
How to safely unclog drains
Clogs happen all the time, especially in kitchens and toilets. Chemical drain cleaners may seem like a good idea, but they can damage pipes and make the situation worse. Plungers, drain snakes, or even a flush with baking soda and vinegar followed by boiling water are safer choices.
It’s a bad sign if a blockage keeps coming back, though. L&P Plumbing once detected tree roots bursting into a sewer line after a family kept having problems with backups. DIY got rid of the symptom but not the problem.
Change the settings on your water heater
Sometimes, all you need to do is change the thermostat to remedy water that is too hot, too cold, or changes too often. Setting your heater to about 120°F strikes a good compromise between comfort, efficiency, and safety. It also slows down the formation of minerals, which can make the appliance last longer.
If adjusting doesn’t work, sediment buildup can be the cause. Flushing the tank once a year (something many homeowners don’t do) can improve performance and keep repairs from costing a lot of money.
Repair Toilets That Are Running
A toilet that never stops running can waste thousands of gallons of water per year. A worn-out flapper or chain inside the tank is usually the blame. You can change these parts in just a few minutes and they cost less than $10.
It could be a greater problem with the fill valve or overflow tube if changing the flapper doesn’t work. That’s when it’s a good idea to call in a pro.
Faucet Aerators Should Be Cleaned
Check the aerator if the water pressure is low in just one faucet. Taking it apart and cleaning it out gets rid of mineral buildup and can make the flow better right away. This easy tip might make cooking and showering easier for households in Watertown who have hard water.
Insulate Pipes That Are Exposed
Plumbing can be hard in Watertown, CT, in the winter. Wrapping insulation around pipes in places that aren’t heated, such basements, attics, or garages, can help keep them from freezing. One of the most prevalent winter emergencies is frozen pipes, which are also one of the most expensive to fix.
Don’t forget about outside spigots.
If you leave garden hoses connected outside in the winter, they might freeze and break. Taking the hoses off in the fall and putting insulated caps on the faucets is a modest thing you can do to avoid significant difficulties in the spring.
Know when to do it yourself and when not to.
It’s fine to address little problems yourself, but you should still see a professional. If you see that your drains are always clogged, there are water stains on the walls, the water pressure in your whole house drops suddenly, or the drains make a gurgling sound, something greater is going on behind the walls or underground.
This is where experience comes in. Watertown homes depend on plumbers like the ones at L&P Plumbing, who have unique instruments for finding concealed leaks, cleaning roots, and using cameras to look at sewage systems. What seems like a small problem on the outside could have deeper roots.
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Habits That Keep Headaches Away
In addition to fast solutions, making a few changes to your daily routine might help you avoid plumbing problems:
- Don’t put grease down the drain; it hardens and blocks pipes.
- When you use the garbage disposal, run cold water to flush away the trash.
- Before strong rainstorms, check your sump pump.
- If your house is older, get the plumbing checked once a year.
These little things don’t cost much, but they can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the long run.
Last Thoughts
Taking care of your plumbing and making small repairs can go a long way in keeping it safe. But it’s also crucial to know when to bring in the pros. People in Watertown, CT who take care of their homes before problems happen have fewer emergencies, cheaper expenses, and a lot less worry.
When the problem is too huge to fix yourself, a plumber Watertown families trust to find the problem, fix it for good, and keep their homes running smoothly all year long.
