5 Things You Must Know About Plumbing

If you stumbled onto our website, it is pretty likely that you’re looking for a plumber in Los Angeles to unclog a toilet, fix your pipes, or install a water system.

While we understand that some people are exclusively “hands off” when it comes to plumbing, there are some pieces of information that are vital to learn.

Remember when you finally moved out of your parent’s house into that new apartment and you suddenly realized that there were basic things you didn’t know how to do? Personally, I learned the hard way what happens when you use hand soap in the dishwasher. My whole kitchen was a bubble bath!

You can let the professionals handle the big problems, but still have the know-how to fix the small issues with these 5 things you need to know about plumbing.

You Must Know…

1) How to read your bill and water meter. This is important so that you do not get overcharged and you can detect a leak. Check the reading on your water meter and make note of the figure to compare to next month’s bill. How much does your usage change each month? Does the bill payment match what you should be paying? Ask your local water company for more details.

2) Where your main water sources are located and how to turn them off. You should have one or more water sources for your residence. Know where the main valves are located and how to shut them off in case of an emergency, such as a burst or leaky pipe.

3) If your air conditioning condensation lines are working. AC units produce condensation when in use, which is extracted from the unit. If the lines are broken, the water could cause mold or building damage.

4) How to shut off water to your hot water heater. When your hot water heater is broken or leaking, you cannot get warm water to wash your hands or shower. But shutting down the flow to the hot water heater, rather than the main valve, will mean that you can still have cold water usage for cooking, cleaning, and flushing.

5) If your water pressure is under 80 psi. High water pressure is the main cause of leaks, so keeping it under 80 psi is crucial. You can buy a tool to take the reading for under $10 or ask your water supplier what your psi is.