Last week, we posted Part 1 of a two part series on common plumbing questions that arise for homeowners. In it, we addressed some common issues, from how to properly clean a disposal to maintaining plumbing fixtures properly. In this post, we’ll wrap up the series with five additional plumbing tips for homeowners to keep in mind. Here goes…
6. Is it ok to spend less money for a cheap product as long as it includes a warranty?
This one’s pretty simple. What you buy is what you get—even when a warranty is included. While having warranties is a great thing, they shouldn’t necessarily be the top consideration for product purchases, especially when it comes to plumbing products. Consumers should always think about the quality of the plumbing fixtures, accessories and other products before making the purchase. Sometimes spending a little more up front or having professional plumbers do the work can save a lot of headaches, time and money in the long run. Even if a cheap product is covered under warranty, that warranty will only replace it with the same or similar quality product. This could be a stressful cycle if cheap products keep failing or breaking, and does not factor in the value of your time and inconvenience.
7. Everything eventually goes down the drain—that means everything is working properly, right?
Not necessarily. Just because food, hair or other things make their way down a drain eventually doesn’t mean everything is in perfect working order. Out of sight, out of mind doesn’t apply in the plumbing world. Small food items, such as rice, tend to bloat and expand once they make their way down (or get caught in) drainpipes. This waste can build up over time and cause clogs or even corrosion. Remember, in order to prevent these types of drainage issues, proper precautions and preventative measure should be taken beforehand.
8. Are water pressure regulators always dependable?
While they can be effective, water pressure regulators aren’t always dependable and accurate. Sometimes, they can give misinformation to a homeowner, which could lead to some big problems such as floods, leaks or other problems. Measuring the pressure and adjusting by yourself can often be as effective as using a regulator. If you commonly have leaks, flooding, or notice constant draining noise from your toilet after flushing, chances are your water pressure may be too high. If it’s too low… well… you’ll notice with the lack of sufficient water.
9. Can I use the same soap to clean bathroom fixtures that I do on my body and hands?
Absolutely not. Not only will washing fixtures with soap cause unsightly smears and smudge marks, it could also cause serious damage to metal fixtures. Using common body and hand soaps on fixtures can cause corrosion. It’s typically not even ok to leave a small bit of soap on the fixture after you have washed your hands. Even in small amounts, these soaps can be damaging to the metal. Believe it or not, this type of soap corrosion can even void warranties! It’s well worth taking the extra time to rinse off the soap after each use and use proper cleaners for your plumbing fixtures.
10. Does every plumber know exactly what to do in every situation?
Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Not all plumbers are fully licensed professionals that are up to date on the latest information and education when it comes to plumbing issues. Hiring someone just because they have a plumber title doesn’t mean you’re getting a true expert. If an untrained plumber makes a mistake, you’ll unfortunately have to live with it. Plus, you’ll have to call another plumber in to do the job right. It’s much better to start with certified plumbing professionals, like those at BelRed.
Remember, not all plumbing jobs are quick and easy. Some require skill, knowledge and expertise to be completed correctly and safely. If you are ever unsure about a plumbing project, we’re happy to help bring you a solution.
