Your home’s plumbing is a complex system, and most of the time, issues should only be handled by a professional plumbing contractor. This will prevent additional damage and ensure the problem is completely taken care of. However, Millard Plumbing & General Contractor, located in Dardanelle, AR, says there are a few tasks homeowners should be able to complete on their own. Below, they list three of them. 

Plumbing Contractor’s Simple Tasks for New Homeowners

1. Turning Off the Water

If there’s a leaking pipe in the house or another similar issue, you’ll need to turn off the water to prevent additional damage. The valve could be in the basement, crawlspace, or close to the water heater. Once you locate it, turn the round handle to the right, and then move the handle until it’s no longer parallel with the wall. Then, turn on all the faucets in the house to drain the water out of them completely.

2. Fixing a Minor Clog

Whether it’s in the sink or the toilet, clogs are irritating issues that will only get worse if they’re not fixed. Never use chemical products to break them up, as these will corrode the pipes. Instead, using a plunger, carefully try to dislodge the buildup. You’ll know it’s gone when you hear water being sucked down into the pipe.

3. Cleaning Out the Sink Trap

If the sink is clogged, you might need to clean out the trap to get the water flowing smoothly again. This part is located in the pipes inside the cabinet. First, place a bucket under them, as water will begin to leak out once you open the pipes. Then, using a wrench, unscrew the bolts holding the pipe together. Remember the order in which they come apart, as you’ll need to reassemble them the same way. Once the pipe is open, clean it out using a rag and then put the pieces back together.

If you need a plumbing contractor’s help completing these or any other tasks, turn to Millard Plumbing & General Contractor. They have more than three decades of experience working with residential, industrial, and commercial clients. To learn more about their variety of services, call (479) 229-1025 or visit them online.