Chatsworth Plumbing is the set of pipes, fittings, and fixtures that bring water into a building and remove wastewater. It is an essential service that ensures clean water is available and that waste is removed in a safe and sanitary manner.

Despite their complexity, plumbing systems are relatively straightforward to maintain. With these five plumbing hacks, homeowners can keep their home’s plumbing in good condition without the need for professional intervention.

1. Turn Off the Water

While it may seem like a hassle to find and turn off the main water valve, it’s an important skill to have in case of an emergency. If your house has a plumbing disaster, such as a burst pipe or sewage backup, turning off the water supply will help prevent further damage until a professional plumber arrives to make repairs.

If you’re unsure how to locate your home’s main water shut-off valve, start by checking the utility space where the main line enters the building. This valve may be on a wall inside the basement, crawlspace or garage, or it may be located outside near your water meter.

Once you’ve found the main water shut-off valve, rotate the handle clockwise to turn off the water supply. Then, use a pen or marker to mark the handle with an “O” for on and a “T” for off. This will help you remember which way to turn the valve in the future.

If the main valve is corroded or difficult to turn, try using a pair of pliers or a wrench. However, be careful not to use any tools that can contaminate the valve seat and cause further damage.

It’s also a good idea to keep a list of emergency plumbing services nearby in case of an after-hours plumbing disaster. Then, you can have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your plumbing is in good hands.

In addition to the main water shut-off valve, you can cut off the water to individual fixtures or appliances by opening service valves, which are usually found in kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities or under sinks. These control the flow of water to specific areas of the house, so you can still use your faucets while making repairs.

You can also relieve the pressure in your pipes by opening a faucet on the lowest level of your home, which will allow water to drain from upper floors and give air trapped in the pipes a place to escape. This is especially important during cold weather when pipes are more likely to freeze and burst.

2. Clean Your Faucet Aerator

The faucet aerator is the small fitting that sits on the end of your sink’s faucet spout. It mixes air into your water to create a smooth stream made up of numerous tiny droplets of water and restricts the flow of water to help reduce overall water usage. Over time, the aerator can become clogged with mineral deposits and iron oxide residue. When this happens, your water flow can be limited or your water pressure can suffer. Cleaning your aerator can solve these problems and restore your faucet’s water flow.

Start by soaking your aerator in vinegar for a few minutes. Vinegar can dissolve many types of hard water mineral deposits and make them easier to remove with a toothpick or toothbrush. If your faucet has a brushed nickel finish, be careful not to use acid or chemical cleaners that may damage it.

Using the plastic bag or container where you soaked your aerator as a guide, remove the aerator from the end of the faucet. If you have trouble unscrewing it, try using a rubber jar lid opener or pair of pliers. Be careful not to damage the aerator or the end of the faucet spout. Snap a picture of the aerator before you disassemble it to help you remember how to put it back together later on.

Next, rinse the aerator parts under clean water. If you have a hard time getting rid of gunk, scrub the aerator with a toothbrush. Be sure to rinse all the parts again before you reassemble them. Use the pictures you took during disassembly to ensure that the aerator goes back together in the proper order.

Depending on the type of faucet you have, the aerator may be visible or hidden inside the end of the faucet. If it’s hidden, a special faucet aerator key wrench may be required to remove it. The aerator key wrench can usually be purchased at your local home improvement store or online. Once you’ve removed the aerator, rinse all the pieces again and reassemble them on your faucet. Be careful not to over tighten the aerator; it should be snug but not loose. Turn the water on to test the flow of water through the aerator.

3. Clean Your Pipes

The water supply system is a vital part of any building, providing clean, safe drinking water for its inhabitants. A properly working plumbing system also removes waste and sewage, helping to keep our homes clean and comfortable. Unfortunately, over time the pipes can become clogged with waste, which creates foul odors and causes water to flow poorly. Fortunately, these problems can be easily avoided with routine cleaning and maintenance.

One of the easiest ways to clean your pipes is to regularly flush them with hot water. Pouring boiling water down the drain can help to loosen any minor clogs and melt away fatty residues that may be lining the pipe. This simple step can save you from expensive repair bills in the future.

Another way to clean your pipes is by using baking soda and vinegar. This simple trick is quick and easy, and it can eliminate a lot of different types of clogs. First, mix half a cup of baking soda with an equal amount of vinegar. Then, pour the mixture down your drain and let it sit for an hour. The chemical reaction that takes place between the two substances will break up and dissolve most types of clogs. Rinse with hot water to wash away any remaining baking soda and vinegar.

Finally, you can also clean your pipes by soaking them in alcohol. This method is especially effective if you have an old, rusty pipe that needs some attention. To do this, put your pipe into a sealable plastic bag and fill it with rubbing alcohol until the pipe is completely submerged. You can add coarse salt to the bag if you like, as it will act as an abrasive and scrub hard-to-reach areas of the pipe. Then, just shake the pipe for 2-3 minutes to quickly and effectively clean it.

Regularly cleaning your pipes can prevent unpleasant odors, improve the water quality in your home, and save you money on expensive repair bills. So be sure to follow these simple steps the next time you need to clean your pipes!

4. Fix Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are a common household problem, and they can happen anywhere in your plumbing system. While some clogs require a professional plumber to handle, you can often unclog your drains with a few simple DIY techniques.

The most common cause of clogged drains is food waste, especially from the kitchen sink and garbage disposal. If you are experiencing a slow draining sink, try pouring boiling water down the drain to dissolve any food residue. Another simple way to clear a clogged drain is by using a plunger. This will usually dislodge any debris that has accumulated in the drain opening.

If a plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a wire drain snake or auger. This is a flexible coil of wire that can be fed into a clogged pipe to dislodge and break up the blockage, which will then allow water to flow freely. When using a snake, be sure to feed it slowly into the drain and crank the handle while pushing it forward. After the clog is cleared, be sure to run hot water down the drain to flush away any remaining debris.

Other common causes of clogged drains include soap scum, hair, and grease. These can build up over time and form a thick layer of residue that chokes off the drain pipe. To prevent these types of clogs, you can install a drain trap in your shower and tub, as well as make sure that all household members are aware of what can and cannot go down the drains.

It is important to address clogs as soon as they appear. Otherwise, they can lead to water damage and expensive repairs down the road. While clogs can occur in any type of drain, some clogs are more severe than others. If a drain is continuously clogged, it may be time to call a plumber for a thorough inspection. With proper maintenance, you can reduce the risk of clogs by keeping hazardous materials out of the drain and regularly cleaning your drain pipes with a plunger or snake.