5 Things You Should Know About Your Pipes

Not everyone is a hardware expert, and as a homeowner, you may not know all the ins and outs of what makes your home work well. However, knowing the basics of your plumbing system and your home’s pipes can be extremely helpful. Just think, next time you call your plumber you’ll be able to tell him where the problem is, and not just “something is leaking…somewhere…”

If you can keep these 5 bits of information in mind, you’ll be able to solve problems and make improvements much faster.

1. In and Out

There are basically two separate plumbing systems in every home. The first brings clean water into your home, and the second takes dirty water out. The water in the first system is under pressure, because it must come through your pipes and into your appliances. Knowing this, you can more easily assess what type of problem you have.

2. Water Shut Off Valves

Knowing where your water shut off valves are can save you in an emergency. Should a pipe break and begin flooding your home, you’ll want to turn off the water as quickly as possible. Also, whenever your home’s plumbing is worked on, it’s smart to turn the water off first.

3. Pipe Material

Copper is the most common material used for pipes in plumbing systems. However, other materials like PVC pipe and PEX pipe are also used. It’s helpful if you know which type is in your home so you can better assess what may go wrong or what may be needed to make a repair.

4. City Water vs. A Well

This one seems basic, but it can make a huge difference in how your plumber works on your system. If you are on well water, know where on your property the well can be accessed. If you are on city water, it would be helpful to have an idea of where the piping runs.

5. Septic Tanks

You should also be aware of if you are hooked up to a septic tank or the city’s sewage system. If you are on a septic tank, know where it is and the last time it was serviced.  You should also understand that if your septic tank isn’t properly taken care of, it can back up, causing a big mess and damage that can be expensive to repair.

If you need a plumber in 11793, Wantagh, our expert team of plumbers can help you make sure your home’s plumbing system is running smoothly so that you can save on your utility bills and make sure your home is safe. Knowing these five pieces of information can help you when it comes to DIY projects or assessing a problem.