Fortunately, plumbers are available when needed. Most people would prefer the need for a plumber be small rather than large. Maintenance is the best way to take care of small problems and to prevent larger problems from occurring.

Know where the plumbing is located in your home. In the kitchen, you will usually have one or two sink locations. The dishwasher usually taps into the system of a nearby sink. If you have an icemaker and water dispenser in your refrigerator, this too will be plumbed.

Bathrooms will have water pipes to the toilet, shower/bath, and sink. Basic showers will have a delivery supply only on one wall. However, today many showers may have supply on the ceiling as well as one or more walls.

Depending on your heating system and your home design, pipes can run on walls, ceilings, and between floors, including the foundation. Knowing the route of the plumbing makes it easier to do a visual check on areas where you cannot see the pipes. If you have heated floors, find out if they are heated by hot water.

Garages or basements are the usual place for water heaters. In arid climates, the water heater may be solar and can be mounted on the roof. Often washing machines and utility sinks are also located in these areas (well, not the roof).

Plumbing also extends outside. Spigots for garden hoses, leveler systems for pools, sinks and misting systems for patios all may be connected to the house. Sprinkler systems also need to be addressed.

Locate your shut off valve. In warm climates, the valve is probably outside the house on the spigot closest to the meter. In cold climates, the shut off will most likely be near the water heater or in a wall. People who have pressure tanks for their wells will have two valves to turn off. Turn the valves clockwise until you cannot turn it anymore signals success.

Leaks can be small or catastrophic. Some sign of leaks will be obvious. Water puddles, water dripping or spraying from a pipe, and watermarks on drywall, plaster, or flooring all point to a leak. Examine all exposed pipes for discoloration, rust, or corrosion. Copper turns green and galvanized steel rusts when water is affecting the outside of the pipe.

Pay attention to the water pressure of your home. Diminished pressure can suggest sediments have accumulated in the faucet or showerhead. Low pressure also may point to a problem in a water line.

Check all drains. Run water and watch it going down the drain. If it swirls as it drains your drain is clear. If it bubbles and sits before draining, you have buildup or something obstructing the plumbing. Some sinks may have a clean out trap. Clean this and recheck the drain speed.

Check the hoses to the washing machine. When a hose breaks, it\’s usually a big deal. If you can\’t remember when the hoses have been changed, change them. As part of regular maintenance, change them every four or five years.

A plumber is your best friend when you need him or her. You just don\’t want to have them over for a catastrophe. Most of the damage results from water, not the broken pipe. Check your system regularly.

Author Bio: Toronto Plumber company services offering plumbing drain cleaning services, emergency drain and cleaning products.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: plumbing services, licensed plumbers, business, home management, fixture repair, drains, technology