Get a Handle on Plumbing Problems
First, some issues are simple to fix without the help of a plumber. Second, if you do need a plumber, it can be difficult to evaluate the quality of their work without knowing the basics. Having some general plumbing knowledge can help you save money on unnecessary work, and confidently find the right plumber when you need one.
Clogged Toilet
One of the most common plumbing issues is a clogged toilet. Clogs can be triggered by blocked traps. Hard water deposits can also hamper a toilet's ability to function effectively, which can lead to clogging. Luckily, clogged toilets can often be fixed without the help of a plumber.
Clogged Drain
A clogged drain occurs when something physically obstructs the passage of water through the drain. Drains can be partially or completely blocked, but if the drain is completely blocked, it requires immediate attention. Clogged drains often happen in kitchens and bathrooms, and can be caused by a buildup of things such as grease and hair. They can often be cleared without professional help by using tools such as a plunger or plumber’s snake.
Leaky Faucets
That drip you hear is probably caused by a leaky faucet. Leaky faucets waste water, leaving you with an inflated water bill. In some cases, it may be possible to fix a leaky faucet without professional help, but you'll need the right tools and equipment.
Running Toilet
If a toilet is working properly, water will stop running moments after the toilet is flushed. If certain parts in the toilet are defective, water will continue to flow long after flushing, and this can add dollars to your water bill. It's important to quickly repair a running toilet if you want to avoid flushing money down the drain.
Low Water Pressure
You need a healthy level of water pressure for everyday activities like taking a shower or washing the dishes. Low water pressure makes these things take much longer than they need to.
Sump Pump Failure
Sump pumps work heroically to help avert flooding in basements and crawlspaces. If a sump pump fails, the results can be catastrophic, leaving you with water damage that can trigger other problems such as mold growth.
Understand Water Heaters
Hot showers can be relaxing, but they wouldn't be possible without water heaters. Water heaters warm cold water to provide us with piping-hot water when we need it. But they are not a one-size-fits-all proposition; many different types are available to suit different budgets and needs.
Traditional Water Heaters
Traditional water heaters store and heat water in a tank. Tanks vary in size to accommodate both small and large households. Traditional water heaters are relatively inexpensive and can be easy to install, but they come with certain drawbacks. For example, they tend to consume more energy, and often space, than other types of water heaters.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters[10] provide hot water on demand without the need for a tank. Because they are smaller than traditional water heaters, tankless heaters can be easier to place, and free up additional space.
Fuel Type
One more thing to keep in mind when evaluating water heaters is fuel type. There is a wide assortment of models on the market, including those that use electricity, gas, and other options. Be sure to choose one that uses fuel type [11] that matches your situation.
Size
Water heaters come in all shapes and sizes. Understanding the various sizes of water heaters on the market is important, because the size plays a role in determining the amount of hot water a water heater can provide, and ensuring you have enough when you need it.
Learn the Facts on Water Filtration
We all need clean water to survive, and water filters work to help make sure the water we use in our homes is free of contaminants. Tap water is generally safe for use, but it often contains small amounts of heavy metals and other toxins that can accumulate in the body over the long term and cause health damage. If you do opt to use a filter, it's essential to choose one that is equipped to handle your home's unique needs.
Countertop Water Filters
If you want to get filtered water from your kitchen faucet, a countertop filter might be an ideal choice. Typically mounted on the kitchen counter near the sink, they’re the most affordable built-in filters on the market. Countertop filters are also usually quite easy to install, but it's important to have a full understanding of their pros and cons before making a purchase.
Reverse Osmosis Filters
With reverse osmosis filters, water is filtered through a semipermeable membrane that banishes impurities such as chlorine, pesticides, and sulfates. These systems use multi-stage filtration to cleanse the water, and no electricity is required in models built for residential use. Reverse osmosis filtration systems come in different sizes to suit both small and large households.
Gravity Filters
Gravity filters are perhaps the most versatile water filtration systems on the market. Portable gravity filters allow you to have a reliable supply of potable water on the road or for camping trips. Larger gravity filters can deliver purified drinking water in your home.
Hard Water
Hard water is a term used to describe water that has high mineral content. This type of water can leave you with dry skin and hair, and it can also damage your home's pipes. A water softener filters the minerals that lead to hard water. This filtration system can improve the quality of your skin and hair, and it can also help preserve your home's plumbing.