3 Plumbing Areas You Should Know

As a homeowner, it is important that you are familiar with your home's plumbing system. The more you know about it, the more likely it is that you can advert a plumbing disaster that could impact the rest of your home. Here are some areas you need to focus on when studying your homes plumbing.

Shut Off Valves

Leaks happen. When they do, it is important that you know how to stop them so that you can fix the leak. Before you try to remove one pipe, it is important that you turn off the water from the shut off valve. 

Every fixture in your home that is connected to the main water supply can be disconnected from your water source with the shut off valve. It is located where the meter is for your home. Locate the meter and learn how to turn off the shut off valve. 

If you are unable to locate the valve, contact a plumber and ask him or her to help you locate it. In the event that you do have an emergency situation, make sure you turn it off slowly. The valve could be old and easily break off. 

Water Bill and Meter

Instead of just automatically paying your water bill, take time to study it. You need to be sure that the amount that you are using is reflected accurately on the bill. If not, you will need to contact your municipal for a correction.

Part of ensuring that the water usage is accurate, is learning how to read the meter. Contact your municipal for instructions on reading the meter. 

Understanding your water bill is also important to learning when there is a large increase in water usage. A jump from one month to the next could be an indication that you have a leak. If you notice a significant increase on your bill, contact your plumber for a thorough inspection of your plumbing. 

Gas Supply

In addition to learning where your water shut off valves are, you need to know how to turn off the gas to your home. If there is a strong odor of gas in the air, turning off the gas quickly could save lives. 

You also need to learn where the shut off valves for every appliance that uses gas is. Your plumber, like those at Riverside Heating, can show you were the valves are for appliances and the main flow to the home. 

In a perfect world, your plumbing would always work. However, problems with the plumbing can occur. It is important that you are prepared when it happens.


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