You've decided to take a look at your plumbing, but you're not sure where to start. You're not alone! A good place to begin is by learning basic plumbing terminology and common plumbing issues you may encounter. With a little help from our guide, you will know your way around a leaky faucet or a shutoff valve in no time.
Plumbing Terminology
Whether you are undertaking a project yourself or trying to understand the terminology your plumber uses, this guide has you covered. Here are some of the most popular plumbing terms and what they mean:
- Flow rate: Refers to how many gallons of water are flowing through a plumbing system in a given time. This rate is usually measured in gallons per minute or hour.
- Low-flow: A fixture that produces lower water flow. This is something to keep in mind if you want your home to be more energy-efficient.
- Gallons per flush (GPF): The number of gallons of water required to flush a toilet. Newer, more energy-efficient models often have a lower GPF.
- Shutoff valve: The valve you will need to shut off to stop water flow before doing any repairs. It is generally located under your sink or toilet.
- Snake: A helpful tool for unclogging pipes. A snake is a thin, flexible metal cord that fits down a drain to dislodge any clumps or debris causing a blockage.
- Septic tank: If you do not live in an area with a sewer system, your home may rely on a septic tank system. A septic tank is an underground chamber that filters solids from water. The water is then treated so it is safe to be used again.
Top Four Plumbing Tips
Your plumbing system gets used often, but you can still prevent a lot of common issues before they occur. Start by following these four tips:
- Be mindful of what you flush. As a rule of thumb, you should not flush any material other than toilet paper and waste. Even facial tissues and baby wipes labeled as "flushable" can back up your system.
- Be aware of your kitchen sink drain. Like your toilet, your sink is designed to accommodate very specific materials. Try not to let things like oil or coffee grounds go down the drain.
- Keep an eye out for leaks. You should check your pipes and faucets periodically to make sure there is no rust or drops of water. These are signs you may have a leak. Make sure you know where the main water shutoff valve is so you can turn off the water while repairing any leaks.
- Pump out your septic tank regularly. Depending on usage, you should pump your tank every three to five years. Keep a record of any maintenance, pumping and inspections.
Need More Help? Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Syracuse
Keeping these terms and tips in mind is a great way to stay in the know when it comes to your plumbing. If you encounter any plumbing challenges, turn to the experts to get a fast, effective solution.
If you are located in the Syracuse area, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Syracuse would be happy to help. We will gladly set you up with a licensed plumber who has been certified by Onondaga County to help with any projects related to plumbing. Get an estimate for service online today.