Plumbing 101

Busto Plumbing would like to share some simple yet invaluable bits of information that will save you time, water damage and money.

Main water cutoff: Make sure everyone in the house or business knows where it is in case of an emergency.

Toilet overflow: If you believe your toilet is about to overflow, quickly remove the tank lid, reach down and push the flapper of flush valve closed. That will keep the bowl from overflowing while you clear the stoppage.

Toilet check: Remove tank lid, add food coloring to the water in the tank. Check the bowl in ten or fifteen minutes. If you see the color, the flapper is leaking. This should be done every year. These leaks are silent but you might hear the toilet filling when it is not in use. This is another indication of a failing flapper. This type of leak can also reflect heavily in your water bill!

Check your water meter periodically: If you are not using water in the house or commercial building all the dials on the meter should not be moving or spinning. A movement in the dial may indicate a water leak, probably in the toilet. This could cost you dearly over time.

Stop valves: These are valves located under your sinks and toilets. Familiarize yourself with their locations in case of an emergency.

Open and close all valves every six months to a year: This will ensure that they will work when you need them to. If valves are not operable for long periods of time they will seize and turning them off will be difficult or even impossible!

Please don’t take a short cut and hire a less reputable, unlicensed plumber. You wouldn’t trust an unlicensed doctor, you shouldn’t trust the quality of the work of an unlicensed plumber.