The plumbing system is one of the most crucial parts of your home since you’ll be using it every day, whether you’re in the bathroom or kitchen. So, here are a few tips to keep in mind as a first-time homeowner:</P><H3><STRONG>Get a Plumbing Inspection </STRONG></H3><P>The first thing you should do when you move in is to get a professional for a plumbing inspection. Most of the system is hidden behind the walls or underneath the floors, so it’s really difficult to determine the condition of your pipes just by yourself. A professional will be able to do a thorough assessment and provide you with a list of potential issues. They’ll also let you know if there’s anything that needs immediate repair or replacement.</P><P>The plumber will also be able to give you some tips and tricks on simple home plumbing maintenance, based on their inspection of your system. That way, you’ll know exactly how to deal with it in case of an issue.</P><H3><STRONG>Find the Main Shut-Off Valve </STRONG></H3><P>This may be a simple tip, but it’s incredibly important and useful. In case of an emergency like a burst pipe or a leak, you have to know where the shut-off valve is. It’ll allow you to turn off your entire house’s main supply. This will prevent your home from getting flooded while you wait for a plumber to fix the problem.</P><P>The main-shut off valve can usually be found in the basement, in a crawl space under your house, or near the water heater. To shut it off, you simply have to turn it clockwise. But, the location and how to operate it can also vary from house to house. So, it’s best to ask the plumber about it when you get your initial plumbing inspection.</P><H3><STRONG>Find a Trusted, Go-To Plumber</STRONG></H3><P>While it’s good to be handy with the tools and familiar with basic plumbing maintenance, some issues should only be handled by a professional. Repairing them yourself can cause further damage to your property and can even be dangerous. So, it’s best to find a trusted plumber in the area whom you can easily contact in case of any problems.</P><P>Luckily, Premier Plumbing and Leak Detection, LLC’s emergency services are available 24/7. Our professional plumbers can handle the issue, no matter how big or small it is. We also offer regular home plumbing maintenance, heater installations, and drain cleaning. Call us now at <A href="tel:3522195880">(352) 219 5880</A> to learn more.
Do a Routine Flush </STRONG></H3><P>Your water heater can accumulate sediments and debris over time, which can contaminate your water supply. So, it’s important to flush it routinely. This is done by turning off the cold-water supply and attaching a garden hose to the drain valve. And then, drain the water from the tank into a bucket until the water runs clear. If the water still looks cloudy, turn the supply valve on briefly to stir up the remaining sediments.</P><P>It’s best to hire a professional plumber to flush your water heater routinely. They’ll ensure that it’s thoroughly cleaned and no dirt remains inside the machine.</P><H3><STRONG>Test the Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve </STRONG></H3><P>The temperature-pressure relief (TPR) valve is a safety mechanism that prevents your water heater from bursting if there are too much pressure and heat building up. If the pressure gets too high, the TPR valve automatically opens and releases water.</P><P>When testing the TPR valve, your plumber will place a bucket under the discharge pipe and lift the lever. If water comes out, then it’s in good condition. If there’s none, then it’s time to replace your TPR valve. Checking this safety mechanism is typically done annually, along with your regular plumbing and water heater maintenance service.</P><H3><STRONG>Check the Anode Rod </STRONG></H3><P>The anode rod is an essential component of your unit, whether you have a gas or electric water heater. The rod draws in corrosive elements from your water supply, so the anode rod gets corroded instead of the water heater or the tank.</P><P>The anode rod should be replaced every 3 to 5 years to prevent rust and corrosion from contaminating your water supply. It can be a complex and difficult task, so it’s best to hire a professional plumber instead of doing it yourself.</P><H3><STRONG>Call Premier Plumbing and Leak Detection, LLC for Regular Maintenance</STRONG></H3><P>Your water heater is an essential part of your home’s plumbing system. Plus, it’s an expensive machine that you wouldn’t want to keep replacing. So, make sure to take proper care of it to keep it running smoothly. Get in touch with Premier Plumbing and Leak Detection, LLC for quality <A href="/water-heaters">water heater maintenance service</A>. Our professional plumbers and technicians will ensure that your machine is in optimum condition.
If a slab leak isn’t immediately repaired, cracks can form in the foundation of you home, resulting to serious structural damage. Here’s more information about slab leak to help you identify its signs and causes:</P><H3><STRONG>How Common Are Slab Leaks?</STRONG></H3><P>They’re common in properties with improperly installated plumbing. Outside pressure such as an underground stream, earthquake, and soil erosion can also impact the pipes and cause a leak. They’re also quite common in older houses due to corroding copper pipes.</P><P>So, if you have a house that’s particularly old or recently affected by an outside pressure, it’s best to schedule a plumbing inspection immediately. Make sure that they thoroughly check all the pipes, especially the ones that aren’t exposed.</P><H3><STRONG>What Causes a Slab Leak?</STRONG></H3><P>Other than age, improper construction, and outside impacts, a slab leak can occur for multiple other reasons. The three most common are:</P><UL><LI><STRONG>Corrosion – </STRONG>Soils that have a high metallic content can cause galvanic corrosion to underground pipes. This leads to the formation of cracks and holes, which will eventually result in a leak.</LI><LI><STRONG>Excess Pressure – </STRONG>Too much pressure can fracture or tear underground pipes. This usually occurs around areas that have clay-heavy soil, which expands and shrinks drastically. This results in more shifting in the foundation, putting more pressure on the pipes.</LI><LI><STRONG>Abrasion –</STRONG> If your pipes are next to a hard surface like rocks, a wall, or a slab, the vibration from the flowing water can cause abrasions. This constant rubbing can wear down the pipes and create holes.</LI></UL><H3><STRONG>What Are the Signs of a Slab Leak? </STRONG></H3><P>Although a slab leak isn’t easy to spot, there are still a few signs that point to this issue. The most common indicator is random warm spots on your home’s floor. This could mean that the hot water line underneath your floor is leaking.</P><P>A sudden surge in your water bill when there aren’t any obvious leaks can also point to a slab leak. Other signs are the growth of mold and mildew, foundation cracks, and sounds of constant running water.</P><H3><STRONG>What to Do if There’s a Slab Leak?</STRONG></H3><P>The best way to deal with <A href="/leak-detection/">slab leaks</A> is to call a plumber. This is a complex issue that should only be handled by a professional. If you need any plumbing repair or maintenance, get in touch with Premier Plumbing and Leak Detection, LLC.