Out with the old, in with the new, that’s the theme at the start of every new year but nothing is different. Make a better plumbing experience part of your new year’s resolutions this year and save time, money and the environment with our master plumber’s plumbing tips. The challenge with being a homeowner is that a small, unnoticed plumbing problem can quickly turn into a plumbing emergency. That’s why it is important to always be vigilant and to carefully monitor every aspect of your plumbing system regularly. Great results come from regular maintenance and a proactive approach to your plumbing.
Many households use galvanic connections (copper and steel) with no plumbing tape or thread sealant to separate the two. This type of connection may work well for years, but suddenly start to corrode when the connection becomes tight. Instead, opt for dielectric unions to connect the fittings, using the steel and copper collars with isolation bushings to separate the steel and copper.
Ridgeway Mechanical plumbers always recommend backflow valves to our clients in order to prevent water from flowing in the opposite direction. We also recommend that, if you do a lot of yard work with your garden hose, that you install a vacuum breaker onto the hose bib.
A homeowner needn’t be a plumbing expert, but you should know where everything is, for example, your main shut-off valve, your water meter, your sewer, and your underground pipes. This knowledge will come in handy when you’re doing work around your home or when you run into a plumbing emergency.
Plumbing is a carefully regulated industry, with strict codes governing: who can do plumbing installations and repairs, the types of fittings and installations you can use, where fixtures can be placed in relation to other objects, and much more. If you’re a DIY expert, we recommend that you obtain a copy of the City’s plumbing code from the official website. Otherwise, speak to a professional plumber about it and be sure it’s done right.
Neat, well-functioning, water-tight joints require that you cut and fit it correctly. If you intend on doing your own plumbing repairs, invest in professional-grade tools, namely: reciprocating saw blades tubing cutters plastic pipe saw hacksaw blades. Be sure to remove any burrs leftover from sewing before you glue or solder the pipes.
If a joint is glued or soldered, it doesn’t require sealant, but any other type of connection needs sealing. Use professional plumbing tape or brushable sealant that is specially formulated for galvanized steel or threaded plastic.
Whenever you do DIY plumbing repairs, be sure to do a leak test before you close up the hole or pack away your tools. Be sure to run water through the newly repaired fixture and drain it to check it there are any leaks.
The septic system uses good bacteria to break down waste, and adding chemicals to the mix will kill the bacteria and stop it from doing what it is supposed to do. It may even cause the system to fail. Don’t add anything to your system, not chemicals, not enzymes, not sugar and certainly no dead chickens! (yes, we’ve been asked about that…)
This winter saw, yet again, many homes with frozen pipes. Pay attention to the forecasts and take the necessary actions to prevent frozen pipes.
The key to a well-functioning plumbing system with few emergencies is regular maintenance. Check your home plumbing once a month for signs of leaks, clogged drains, and mold (especially in your basement). Rinse out all your drains with a mixture of bicarb and vinegar once every 3 months, and call Ridgeway Mechanical for a professional plumbing inspection during late summer, before you start winterizing again.
Ridgeway Plumbing Atlanta provides quick professional plumbing and drain cleaning service metro Atlanta 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When you invite one of our licensed and insured Atlanta plumbers into your home, you will find they will always be on-time and will give your home the respect it deserves.
Quick, 24-hour plumber repair service
When you call on Ridgeway Plumbing, our plumber repair service will take care of you. With our professional Atlanta plumbers you can expect:
Ridgeway Plumbing takes care in all types of plumbing services. Our certified plumbers also focus in sewer line repair. Get a hold of us today so we can help of you.
