Your plumbing is a mysterious thing. You know it brings water in and out of your home, but wouldn’t it be useful to know more about it? A-1 Budget Plumbing is here to help you. They have been providing residential and commercial plumbing services to the Oahu community since 1986, and they believe their clients should be informed about how their plumbing system works.

What are some things you should know?

• Reading your water meter. The water meter tells you how much water your household uses in a certain period of time. The face of the meter will tell you the units of measurement used, such as gallons or cubic feet, and have a set of numbers—which will look similar to the odometer in a car dashboard—as well as a dial. The odometer tells you the total amount of water usage in your home from the time the meter was installed. The last two numbers measure whole units. The dial shows your water consumption in tenths of the measurement unit, while the smaller marks in between are hundredths.
• Calculating water usage. Record the number on your odometer and wait for one week before you record it again. Subtract the first number from the second and the difference is the amount of gallons you've used.
• Shutting off the main water valve. When you have a burst pipe, you want to shut off your water supply as soon as possible to prevent a flood. The shut-off valve is usually located by the cold water pipe where it enters your home, and it may be behind an access panel. Turn the handle clockwise to shut off the water flow.

Always ask your plumbing contractor to clarify any information you need to know about your plumbing. You can also call A-1 Budget Plumbing at (888) 395-3892 to speak to a professional about any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment. Visit their website to find out about their electronic leak detection and 24/7 plumbing services.