Not a day goes without the need for plumbing, but how much do we really know about it? 

More than only for daily convenience, plumbing is also a means to keep the worth of your home high. Thus, it is very much important to keep your plumbing system in good working order.

For that, you need some basic understanding of plumbing, no matter if you have professionals right around the corner. 

Let us give you a head start with 7 basics of plumbing you should know.

1. What is plumbing? 

Let’s begin with the very definition and workings of plumbing.

Plumbing is the system of pipes and fixtures that brings water into your home and removes wastewater and sewage.

Your plumbing originates from your municipality’s water treatment plant. The water is then distributed through a network of pipes to your home.

Water enters your home through the main water supply pipe, which is usually buried underground. A water meter measures the amount of water you use and is used for billing. 

Also, wastewater leaves your home through the sewer line, which is usually buried underground. The sewer line connects to the main sewer line, which leads to the wastewater treatment plant.

If plumbing problems arise, property owners can call licensed plumbers. The most trusted ones provide expert, reliable, and professional plumbing and drainage maintenance and repair services. 

Moreover, they use innovative technologies to ensure proper plumbing design in construction projects following their clients’ schedules and within their budget. Find out more here about plumbing services.

2. Water Pressure

Another component of plumbing that you should consider is water pressure. Understanding this basic point about plumbing will help you in detecting issues faster. 

In a typical house, the water pressure should generally be less than 80 psi. But when it comes to bigger constructions like skyscrapers, the situation changes.

The water pressure may fluctuate for various reasons, one of which is the burst pipelines. So, when you notice low water pressure, you can have a professional look at it as soon as possible. 

3. The location of the water shut-off valve

Turning off the water main is always the first thing you should do when trying to remedy a plumbing problem. You should be aware of its location so that, in the event of a plumbing problem, you can quickly turn it off.

You should be aware that a plumbing issue can quickly result in water damage to your home. In an emergency, you may quickly halt the water flow into the home by turning this off.

This basic plumbing advice can help you avoid costly repairs and water damage, saving you a tonne of money.

4.Owning a drain snake and plunger

Every home’s emergency plumbing kit must have a drain snake and plunger. These tools are for clearing clogged drains, sinks, and toilets. 

Working with them does not require any specialised knowledge, and they come in quite helpful when blockages are not too severe. When a plunger cannot clear a significant clog, you can use a drain snake.

But if the block is too big, you should get a blocked drain plumber in Point Cook to get it checked. 

5. Detecting Leaks

Tanks, sinks, washers, and other items aren't built to endure forever and can ultimately rust over and leak. Many homes have been repairing the pipeline long after it has been broken. But it is ideal to have a new pipe installed at required intervals.

From a financial standpoint, it is more cost-effective to completely restore old water pipes following water-related mishaps than to replace internal pipes. 

You may as well consider putting in the most recent leak detection system.

6. Most common plumbing problems 

A million things can go wrong with a plumbing system, but some of the most common plumbing problems include 

• Clogged drains or toilets
• Leaky faucets
• Burst pipes

You can prevent these plumbing problems by being mindful of what goes down your drains and not overloading your garbage disposal unit. 

Don’t put coffee grounds in the drain or disposal unit because they turn into a sticky paste, adhering and clogging the system. Eggshells, potato peels, and onion skin can also cause blockage.

The most common culprits of a leaky faucet are a worn-out gasket, valve seat corrosion, and a loose O ring. A faucet repair kit can resolve this problem. 

On the other hand, pipes burst because of different reasons, such as clogs, high water pressure, rust, tree roots, and freezing. A burst pipe is a plumbing emergency, prompting immediate professional plumber intervention. 

But of course, prevention is far better than dealing with plumbing emergencies, which usually occur at the most inconvenient and unexpected times, like a storm.

It is also not a bad idea to have your plumbing system regularly inspected by a professional plumber in Point Cook. 

7. Planned Maintenance

If you have a minor plumbing problem, such as a clogged drain, you may be able to fix it yourself with a plunger or a drain snake. However, if you have a major problem, such as a burst pipe, you will need to call a professional Point Cook plumber for assistance.

However, the best is to prevent the problem instead of fixing it after. 

So, always get your home's plumbing inspected by a professional once or twice a year. It will assist you in identifying serious plumbing concerns that, if left unattended, might result in significant harm to your house.

You can determine if all of your plumbing and heating systems are operating properly or not with routine inspections, and if necessary, you can even plan updates to your systems for continued efficiency.

These are just some of the basics you should know about plumbing! For more information or assistance with any plumbing problems, contact a professional plumber in your area. 

Conclusion 

Plumbing is an essential part of our everyday lives, but there's much more to it than meets the eye! 

Most people do not consider plumbing unless there is a problem. A basic understanding of the plumbing system and the variables that impact it may assist you in identifying risks, doing minor maintenance, determining when to call a plumber, preparing for emergencies, and making the best choices.

By understanding some of the plumbing basics, we can better appreciate this crucial system in our homes and take steps to prevent or resolve common issues that may arise from time to time. 

If you are unsure about anything related to your plumbing, contact a professional for assistance, like NLK Plumbing. NLK houses many experts, from clogged drain specialists to hot water repair in Point Cook.