Plumbing is an intricate process- there are so many parts and pieces, and so many things that can go wrong, it’s hard to keep it all straight.
Let’s be honest, to the average joe, residential plumbing can seem overly complicated and quite a daunting task. Plumbing is an intricate process- there are so many parts and pieces, and so many things that can go wrong, it’s hard to keep it all straight. While many jobs require the expertise of a professional plumber to fix, savvy renters should know what to keep an eye on in order to prevent a small hassle from turning into a huge headache. With the following tips and advice we hope to prevent those headaches and keep your plumbing up to full working order.
Quick and Effective Tips
- Sink Drains: If you notice a lingering smell in your kitchen and you cant find the source, chances are you have a clogged drain. Instead of purchasing drain cleaner, consider this cheaper alternative. A simple combination of baking soda and vinegar poured into your drain will quickly break up the cause of the blockage.
- Weak Water Pressure: If the pressure of the water streaming from your showerhead seems weak, then you may have a minor blockage. To alleviate this, simply unscrew your showerhead and apply a descaling agent to the interior.
- Know your Water Shut Off Point: If the worst should happen, and your toilet or sink begins leaking or overflowing, it’s a lifesaver knowing where your home’s water shut off switch it. The toilet’s valve is most often located behind the base. A larger leak may require you turning off the main water switch, which will be located either in your home or by the street. Be sure to ask your landlord where these are.
Before You Move In
As a tenant, it is your right to have systems, such as plumbing and electrical, that are safe and functional. When checking out a potential rental property, make sure to give the pipes, faucets, and toilets a good test to make sure you won’t be moving in with any surprises. If there are any, and you are still interested, the landlord should abide by regulations and correct the issue. If you live in an apartment complex, you probably won’t have to worry about the effects that colder weather can bring. However, if you’re renting a duplex or a single-family home, make sure you or your landlord turn off outside plumbing to prevent pipes from freezing in cold temperatures. Frozen pipes can burst, causing extreme inconvenience.
A RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PLUMBING COMPANY YOU CAN TRUST
Alpha Plumbing is a full-service plumbing and contracting company serving the Baltimore and Annapolis metro area with expertise in all aspects of plumbing. We’re family-owned and operated since 1991 from our office in Pasadena. We offer quality plumbing services at reasonable rates in a timely fashion. Our trucks are equipped with GPS systems to ensure we’re prompt and on time. No job is too large or too small! We maintain a fleet of well-stocked trucks and also own and operate our own backhoes for jobs requiring excavation. For more information and to get a free no-obligation estimate, you can contact us on our website, send us an e-mail, or give us a call at (410) 255-5998.