Knowing some basics of your home’s plumbing system can benefit you.
Knowing some basics of your home’s plumbing system can benefit you. If you need a plumbing technician for your property, call an expert at B&D Plumbing. Keep reading further to understand the basics of your home’s plumbing system.
Know How to Find Your Cleanouts
Always ensure where to locate your cleanouts around your property. This will benefit you if you’ve experienced a clogged sewer line. The cleanout usually is a pipe with a 4-inch diameter and a screw cap with a square knob or depression on top. Remember that most houses have two cleanouts. You can typically find the second one in the garage or on the side of the home. Knowing the location of your cleanouts is all part of getting to know your home’s plumbing system better.
Determine How to Shut the Gas Off to Your Home
Every homeowner must know how to shut off the gas in their home. This is helpful because you’ll understand what to do if a gas leak happens. You should also know to use a crescent wrench. Lastly, you must know where to locate the on and off valves on the gas meter. If you must shut down your gas line service at the meter, do the following actions:
- Locate the primary shut-off valve for your gas service. It’s usually the first valve on the supply line for natural gas that comes up from the ground next to the meter.
- Use a wrench to rotate the lever from either direction until it’s perpendicular to the pipe.
- Turn off the gas and contact your gas company with your concerns once it’s off.
- Don’t turn the gas back on! Instead, your gas company can restart your gas, inspect the system, and relight the appliances for you.
Moreover, don’t turn off the gas line service at your meter after a disaster like a significant earthquake. Only except you smelling, hearing, or seeing the gas escape. If you choose to turn it off, only your gas company can restore the service if the meter is off.
Understand Your Water Heater
A part of knowing the basics of your home’s plumbing system is understanding your water heater. For instance, how to set the temperature or light the pilot. Then, learn how to maintain your home’s water heater. In addition, a water heater typically lasts 10-15 years or longer if you maintain it adequately. If it’s under 10 years, your water heater only needs repairing.
Learn to Check Your Water Pressure
Low water pressure can indicate hard-water buildup in your pipes, a partially closed shutoff valve, a water leak, or a defective pressure regulator. Regardless, you must know how to check your water pressure. In addition, you can buy a water pressure gauge for less than $10. Ideally, the reading should be between 40 to 60 PSI. High water pressure is 80 and above. Also, high water pressure can damage your home’s plumbing system and appliances.
Get in Touch With B&D Today!
Dealing with any plumbing concerns that require a professional to step in? Struggling with an absolute plumbing emergency that can’t wait? Let B&D Plumbing know. B&D Plumbing Inc. services the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. Get in touch with us by calling (301) 595-1141 or follow us on social media including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. As a small, family-owned business, we understand how important your home is—and we offer exceptional service that matches!