Managing a home’s plumbing system is an important skill for all homeowners. While major plumbing problems are best handled by a professional, having some basic knowledge can help you avoid unnecessary inconveniences and costly repairs. 

Knowing the location of your water main and understanding how to properly use your plunger for toilet clogs are just two of the many plumbing basics every homeowner should know. 

1. Water Pressure 

Water pressure is the force that water uses to move through pipes and fixtures in your home. It varies depending on your home's location and the water supply coming from your local municipality. 

If you have low water pressure, it can affect a number of appliances and faucets in your home. You may notice that the washing machine or dishwasher doesn't run as well. You can also experience weak showers or toilet flushing. 

Understanding how plumbing systems Links to an external site. work can help you fix these problems at home. Most of us take our plumbing for granted, but understanding the basics can help you avoid common issues and keep your home safe from damage. Water pressure is one of these basic concepts that you should understand. It can save you a lot of frustration when you need to wash clothes, dishes, or take a shower. 

2. Water Temperature 

Water temperature affects a number of water quality issues. It can influence the rate of evaporation and ice formation, and it also affects plant and animal growth. Water temperature is measured using scales such as Celsius, Fahrenheit or Kelvin. 

Your plumbing system is responsible for bringing fresh water into your home and transporting waste out of your home. It is a complex system that relies on a lot of moving parts to function properly. 

One of the most common problems homeowners experience with their plumbing is inconsistent water temperatures. This could happen while you’re showering, doing laundry or cooking. The issue is typically caused by faulty pressure-balancing valves. These valves are often unable to keep up with the amount of hot water that is used in modern homes. 

3. Drain Cleaning 

Clogged drains can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. The sooner you address the problem, the less damage it will cause to your home and plumbing system. Warning signs include slow-draining sinks and tubs, gurgling or bubbling noises as water struggles to pass through, and foul odors from trapped gunk. 

When performing manual drain cleaning, it’s important to wear proper safety gear

like heavy-duty gloves and eye protection. Also, it’s best to use purpose-built tools instead of a broom handle or other inflexible makeshift pole. 

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to drains. Using drain covers to keep hair and other debris out, along with routine baking soda/vinegar treatments can help keep clogs at bay. It’s also a good idea to schedule professional drain maintenance on a regular basis. 

4. Water Shut-Off Valve 

Whether you have a burst pipe or are simply conducting routine maintenance, knowing where your home’s water valve is located and how to turn it off is a critical plumbing skill. That’s because shut-off valves are the first line of defense in averting serious damage and safeguarding your property. 

Each individual fixture in your home should have its own fixture shut off valve as well, allowing you to perform repairs and replacements without disrupting water flow to other areas. The plumbing jargon for these valves may vary, but they usually operate in the same way. 

Most valves have oblong teardrop-shaped handles that must be turned 1/4 turn or more to open or close them. Some are also equipped with a round knob that needs to be rotated 90 degrees clockwise to stop the flow of water. 

5. Water Meter 

Water meters are essential tools for accurate billing and conservation of water resources. However, like any mechanical device, they can malfunction and produce inaccurate readings. This is why it’s important to learn how to read your water meter so you can spot leaks before they become too big of a problem. 

Water meters generally record consumption in cubic feet or gallons. They usually display the current read (like a car’s odometer) on a register similar to that of a clock, and may also show a rate-of-flow indicator. 

To check the meter, turn off all sources of water in your home for two hours or more and look at the sweep hand; it should be pointing to a zero. If it moves to a different number, you have a leak somewhere in your plumbing system. For help with plumbing questions or if you have issues with your plumbing system now, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-melbourne/ Links to an external site. can offer a lot of resourceful information.