Tag: basics

Back to School With Plumbing 101: Learning the Basics of Your Home's Plumbing

Important Plumbing Basics for Homeowners to Know

By understanding how plumbing works and knowing some essential information about it, like how to recognize issues, individuals can make more informed decisions and better care for their plumbing systems. Whether someone is a new homeowner or simply seeking to expand their knowledge, this article aims to equip readers with essential plumbing insights. Let's dive in and explore important things to know about a home’s plumbing that can help prevent plumbing emergencies and save money.

Energy and Water-Saving Plumbing Fixtures

tubPlumbing fixtures serve as the unsung heroes of homes, working tirelessly to deliver the water necessary for daily tasks and moments of relaxation. From the refreshing shower head that greets you in the morning to the comforting warmth of a water heater on cold nights, these fixtures play a vital role in everyday life. The plumbing fixtures in homes have evolved into more water-saving and energy-efficient models, enabling homeowners to conserve resources and save on utility bills. Some examples of plumbing fixture upgrades that can help homeowners save on water and energy costs include the following: 

Symptoms of Plumbing Problems

billThough mostly tucked away behind walls and under floors, the home's plumbing system can sometimes provide subtle hints of trouble. Spotting these warning signs early on can save homeowners from more significant issues in the future. Common red flags that indicate potential plumbing problems include poor water pressure, slow draining, high water bills, foul smells, and changes in the appearance of the water. When encountering these signs, seeking the expertise of a skilled plumber becomes essential to address the underlying issues effectively.

  • Poor Water Pressure: When the once-strong shower stream or water pressure from the tap transforms into a feeble trickle, it could indicate underlying plumbing issues such as leaks or pipe blockages.
  • Slow Draining: If sinks or bathtubs take an eternity to empty, it's often a symptom of clogged pipes, necessitating professional intervention to keep the plumbing flowing smoothly.
  • High Water Bills: Unexplained spikes in water bills can be puzzling. Plumbing leaks, even minor ones, might be the hidden culprits causing water wastage and inflating costs.
  • Foul Smells: A musty or foul odor from drains can signal potential sewer line issues. Ignoring this unsettling signal may lead to worsening sewer line blockages or other problems.
  • Changes in the Water’s Appearance: Sudden changes in the color or taste of tap water may be a warning of pipe corrosion or contamination. Prompt investigation is essential to maintain the safety and quality of the water supply.

Plumbing Maintenance

Regular plumbing maintenance is vital in ensuring the optimal functioning of a home's plumbing system. By investing in routine check-ups and expert care, homeowners can proactively prevent plumbing issues before they escalate into costly problems and extend the plumbing’s lifespan. 

Skilled plumbers can conduct thorough inspections of pipes, faucets, and fixtures, identifying and addressing potential issues and leaks to prevent water damage and high water bills from becoming a significant concern. Moreover, cleaning drains and testing water pressure are essential maintenance tasks that promote efficient water flow and help prevent disruptive clogs and damage to the piping.

About Quahog Plumbing

Quahog Plumbing has over 15 years of experience serving Somerset and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward pricing, rapid service, and the latest technology. Call them today for plumbing services in Somerset, MA.

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Plumbing 101: Getting Back to the Basics

Plumbing Basics

It is easy to forget how complex a plumbing system can be. It’s easy for a homeowner to turn the tap on and off without thinking about how the water gets to the home and tap. This article will present the essentials of modern home plumbing and how it works. It will also cover the basics of plumbing maintenance to help homeowners extend the life of their plumbing.

The Main Supply and Drain Lines

water meterThe basic delivery method is essentially the same whether a home’s water comes from a municipal or rural water source. The clean water is pumped through a water meter and into the house through the main supply pipe. The water meter measures the amount of water that flows through it, which is how a house’s water bill is calculated.

From the main supply line, pipes branch to the house's various fixtures and water-using appliances. Wastewater goes down the various drain pipes and into the main drain pipe that leads either to a septic tank or a municipal sewer system.

Plumbing Fixtures: Everything and the Kitchen Sink

showerheadIt's amazing how many things in modern homes are connected through plumbing. Once a person starts listing the things in the house that are part of the plumbing, the list gets quite long quite quickly:

  • Kitchen Faucet, Drain, and Sink
  • Dishwasher
  • Refrigerator (if it has an ice maker and water dispenser)
  • Garbage disposal (connected to the drain side)
  • Bathroom Faucets, Drains, and Sinks
  • Toilets
  • Showerheads, Bathtub Faucets, and Drains
  • Washing Machine
  • Water Heater

Obviously, water is an extensively used resource in the home, not just for drinking. If homeowners want to reduce their water bills and conserve water, they should consider replacing old appliances and fixtures with newer water-saving models that use less water. This is a win-win for the environment and the pocketbook.

Maintenance and Problem Prevention

Everybody wants their home plumbing to run smoothly. The best way to prevent problems is to keep up with regular system maintenance. If a homeowner keeps up with professional maintenance visits, the pipes and appliances are less likely to develop serious problems, and it can extend the plumbing’s lifespan.

Here are a few of the maintenance tasks that a plumbing professional performs during a maintenance visit:

  • Drain cleaning
  • Drain and flush the water heater tank
  • Check anode rod and replace if necessary
  • Check the pressure release valve and replace it if necessary
  • Inspect plumbing for damage, leaks, and corrosion
  • Check the water pressure

About Quahog Plumbing

Quahog Plumbing has over 15 years of experience serving the community of Somerset, MA, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, rapid service, and the latest technology. Call them today for plumbing services in Somerset, MA.

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