Plumbing Tips

  • Know the location of your main water shut-off valve. Your residential plumbing crisis will be more manageable if you know how to turn off the main water source. Your water valve may be located in your basement, or at the water meter (street or side of house). If you have a leak in your plumbing, are replacing plumbing parts or are experiencing a basement flood, turn water off immediately.
  • Don’t flush paper towels or other foreign objects down the toilet. Toilet paper is designed with the appropriate flushing density. Paper towels, sanitary napkins and other paper products are not, and may cause toilet malfunctioning due to sewer pipe obstruction.
  • Repair a slow-draining sink. Slow drains are prevalent in older and newer homes, and older pipes can be easily damaged by chemical drain cleaners. To clear your drain, it is best to snake the pipes. Snake units are available from local rental companies, but should not be used if you are inexperienced. To avoid damaging your home’s pipes or putting up with slow drains, call Scott Plumbing today.
  • Restore water flow to sink faucets and shower heads. Mineral buildup or debris can lead to decreased water pressure. To remove these materials, detach the faucet head, clean the screen, and soak the faucet in vinegar. If you have especially hard water, you may need to repeat this process every three to four months—or consider a water softener or other water treatment equipment.