Avoiding the need to call an emergency plumber is definitely on everyone’s preferred list in Lower Hutt, never mind the world! Water can wreak havoc on a property in minutes and it is certainly something that homeowners should pay more attention to. Here are our top tips for keeping things toasty dry!
Emergency Shut-Off
If an emergency plumber event starts in your home and you are lucky enough to be home when it happens, the first thing you need to do is NOT call the plumber. Walk quickly to your toby valve and close it. Then call the plumber. But do you know where your toby valve is? Right, find it and test it. It is corroded open? Call us to free it up. Check on it quarterly and make sure it is in good working condition.
Drain The Drain
Clogged drains and pipes are a surprisingly frequent cause of flooding which means they are not being inspected or cleared. Shower, bath and basin drains need weekly clearing and kitchen drains should not have fats and oils poured down them. They will form a big fatty blockage along the pipe. This is why restaurants use special grease traps.
Sewage pipes should also be regularly inspected and cleared. Plan an annual inspection.
In all instances, liquid drain clearers should be avoided like the Pox because they can clear away layers of the pipes. A ‘drain snake’ and plunger are good instruments to use for pushing or breaking down obstructions. If those don’t work, it’s plumber time.
Insulation Layer
Insulate pipes that might freeze to avoid bursting. Both Central North and South Island have temperatures that could freeze plumbing pipes.
Hot Water Cylinder Inspections
A hot shower is great and it magically comes from that place where you never look, the hot water cupboard……and that’s the problem. You should be able to access your hot water cylinder with ease so that you can give it a visual check for corrosion or leaks. You should also empty your hot water cylinder annually and rinse its interior of debris and pollutants. The TPR valve also needs to be checked at least quarterly. After ten years you should replace your hot water cylinder with a more energy-efficient one like a heatpump hot water cylinder that has nearly a 300% efficiency rate.
The Toilet Dustbin Habit
The toilet is not a garbage bin and should NOT be the destination for clumps of hair, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, wet wipes (even ‘flushable’ wipes), and other items. It will cause a blockage and is one of the highest call-out categories annually for plumbers.
Water Pressure Levels
If there is a sudden drop in water pressure this might be caused by other taps being on at the same time, a burst pipe or a failed pressure valve. Pipes and valves have a lifespan and sometimes they fail but usually not without showing signs of fatigue first. This is why regular inspections are important. A drop in pressure over time can be from a growing blockage from the water-mains pipe. This will be putting extra pressure on the pipes behind the blockage so it is best to get this sorted out sooner rather than later.
Follow these tips & avoid most emergency plumber callouts in Lower Hutt!
Accidents do happen though. We’re ready to be your emergency plumber in Lower Hutt! Call for help day or night! Ph: 0800 945 261
