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5 Basic Plumbing Parts Every Homeowner Should Know About


Whether it’s your first time out in the real world or you’ve finally fulfilled your lifelong dream of owning your own house, some knowledge of plumbing is something we must absolutely have equipped ourselves with. Not only will this come in handy on the occasion of an emergency, but it will also allow you to save on unnecessary expenses from prevention and good home practices.

A plumbing system is made out of fixtures, lines, pipes, meters, valves, drains and so on. Although what we see, which are the fixtures (toilets, faucets, showers, etc.), are the façade, underneath all of that is an intricate system underneath our homes. The lack of knowledge and ignoring these things at the first sign of a problem can be detrimental to your homes and can lead to costly repair and maintenance fees which could have been avoided. That is why, in this article, we will be providing you with the information that you need about plumbing and your home!

5 PLUMBING PARTS OF YOUR HOME YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH:

  1. Main Water Valve –The main water valve controls the flow of water into your home. This is also the first indicator of leak or burst in your pipes. Each home or establishment is equipped with a main water valve and is the first thing you should shut off in case of an emergency.
  2. Cut- Off Valve – A cut-off valve is a valve that allows you to cut off the flow of water to certain plumbing fixtures such as toilets and sinks while still supplying water to your other fixtures that need water supply. This valve comes in handy in the occasion of water leaks in specific areas of your home.
  3. Water Meter – A water meter is a device that allows you to see the overall health of your system. If there is low pressure, a leak or defects in your plumbing system, this can all be identified through your water meter.
  4. Pressure Regulators – A water pressure regulator is an indicator of how much pressure there is in your water flow. This can be useful when there is too much pressure in your pipes which could cause damages to your pipes and to the home owners.
  5. Valves (gas, electric & hot water) – These valves control optional resources at home. Homeowners have the option to switch these valves on and off according to their need.

How well do you know your plumbing system? If you need further assistance, call and make an appointment today!

 

 

 

Top 3 Frequently Asked Plumbing Questions


What do I do now? This question is asked by homeowners every day. Plumbing is a complicated subject that homeowners often feel overwhelmed when a problem arises. Some homeowners prefer to solve plumbing problems by doing DIY projects, while others prefer to call the plumber immediately. The following 3 questions are the most common asked by homeowners.

  1. Do I need to hire a professional plumber?

Yes. Most homeowners don’t realize that leaks and other plumbing issues can quickly become worse and cause health hazards to everyone in their household. Mold can develop behind walls, ceilings, pipes, flooring and more. Exposure to toxic mold can hinder the health of some individuals. If you choose to do DIY plumbing projects, make sure you do it properly. If not, you can be putting your family at risk. If you are not familiar with plumbing you definitely need to hire a professional for further assistance.

  1. Why is there water near the water heater?

Homeowners are often filled with questions when they find water surrounding the water heater but no signs of leaks. This happens when the bottom of the water heater rusts and holes are created causing leaks. If you notice any water near your hot water heater call a plumber immediately. A professional plumber will confirm if you need to repair your or replace the water heater.

  1. Why does the toilet keep running?

If your toilet is running constantly there are issues in the tank causing the problem. This is something you need to fix immediately since it is also responsible for raising your water bill to heights homeowners don’t want to see. The first thing you want to do is remove the lid to the tank and take a look inside the tank. Sometimes the problem is as simple as the chain needing adjustment, while other times it can be parts that need replacement. Look for rust or broken parts in the tank. If you observe anything unusual contact a plumber for further assistance.

As a homeowner, you know that many other questions follow the three most common questions listed above. Remember if you are comfortable with conducting minor DIY plumbing projects you can fix a variety of issues in your house such as replacing a washer on the faucet or replacing small parts in the toilet tank. Even if you are highly skilled at these tasks, it’s always best to contact a plumber for any big issues such as unusual odors and leaks. Make an appointment today to assure your plumbing is working at its best!


Mokher Profile PicSince 1968, Chip Mokher & his team has provided South Florida with quality service with a commitment to our customers’ satisfaction. Our many years of experience has allowed us to serve thousands of homes and businesses in Miami-Dade County. We welcome the opportunity to serve you, please call us at 305-446-8266 or email us at chip@mokherplumbing.com

Save Money: Get Your Water Heater Checked


Water heaters can drive up your electric bill quicker than you think. The water heater is often hidden behind closed doors in most homes in South Florida. In fact, most people don’t even remember they have one because they have a long lifetime. The truth is, your water heater can be responsible for your high electric bills. If this is the case for you, consider the following information.

  • The Temperature – The main cause of high electric bills is the temperature setting on the water heater. It might be nice to take a scolding hot shower, but is it worth the money at the end of the month. You might take a 10-minute shower and think you are keeping your electric bill low. But, the water heater actually works all day to keep the water hot. This happens so when you are ready to use it, the temperature is available immediately. You can save money by lowering the temperature on the water heater.
  • Leaks – Check the water heater on a regular basis for rust and leaks. If you see any type of water leaking around the water heater you can be sure there is a leak. This means there also can be rust present. A leaky water heater will always get worse. Sometimes the leak can become so severe that it floods the entire house. This often ruins carpeting, flooring, and furniture. Many homeowners have been overwhelmed with the high expense of replacing flooring and furniture.

Don’t Neglect a Leak

Homeowners that have a leaky water heater sometimes postpone solving the problem until a later date. The common thinking behind this usually comes from the thought process of “the leak is small, so I have time.” While it’s true you might have a few days or even a week to solve the problem, it often becomes forgotten about. This means a small issue such as a replacement turns into an expensive cost that negatively affects your budget.

Another common scenario is when homeowners don’t realize the water heater is leaking. This often begins with a small section of the carpet near the area feeling damp or wet. Most homeowners will assume a family member walked on the carpet with wet shoes or someone spilled a drink on the carpet. It isn’t until days later when the carpet is soaked with water that the homeowner realizes it could be coming from the water heater. To prevent this from happening and to save money, you should contact a plumber today!


Mokher Profile PicSince 1968, Chip Mokher & his team has provided South Florida with quality service with a commitment to our customers’ satisfaction. Our many years of experience has allowed us to serve thousands of homes and businesses in Miami-Dade County. We welcome the opportunity to serve you, please call us at 305-446-8266 or email us at chip@mokherplumbing.com