PLUMBING ADVICE – 8 TOP TIPS FOR YOUR NEXT CUSTOMER
Plumbing advice and Plumbing in general is often overlooked until there’s a problem with it. Suddenly we then pay attention to how well it’s working and start looking for more information about managing it.
When it comes to plumbing problems it’s clear that nobody enjoys dealing with them, so we have created this list of our top tips to help your customers prevent some of the most common frustrations when it comes to their pipes.
We encourage you to share these basic tips to build trust and a rapport with your customers.
1. PLUMBING ADVICE – ALWAYS USE A PLUNGER BEFORE YOU CALL A PLUMBER
When a person notices a clog in their toilet, it is always best to use a plunger before calling the plumber. Plungers can be bought at any hardware store and are relatively cheap. They are also very easy to use: simply place the plunger over the opening of the toilet bowl and push it down rapidly, creating suction.
2. PLUMBING ADVICE – USE COLD WATER TO STOP THE FLOW OF WATER IF YOUR TOILET IS LEAKING
Leaks from plumbing are not only annoying but can also be costly. A leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day, costing you around £30 per month. Luckily, there are a few simple solutions that can help you stop the flow of water and prevent those pesky leaks!
Solution 1: Replace the Flapper The first step in preventing a plumbing leak is to replace the flapper on your toilet. This little device actually seals up the fill valve, keeping water from dripping or leaking. All you’ll need to do is remove the old flapper and replace it with a new one. You can find a replacement at most plumbing supply stores for just £1-£5. A good flapper will last for around seven years and will be well worth the money in the long run.
Solution 2: Install A New Toilet Fill Valve Another option is to install a new toilet fill valve. These valves are designed with a self-sealing design that automatically shuts off the water when it’s not needed. This can prevent you from wasting money on expensive plumbing repairs and make sure your home stays leak-free for years to come!
Solution 3: Add A Water-Saving Toilet The easiest way to save water is to replace your toilet with one that uses less than 1.6 gallons per flush. A high-efficiency toilet will cost about £300 and use about half the water used by a standard model. It can pay for itself in as little as two years!
3. PLUMBING ADVICE – NEVER POUR GREASE DOWN THE DRAIN
Dumping grease down the drain is a bad idea. As fats cool, they harden and form clogs in the pipe. Grease clogs are one of the most common causes of kitchen sink stoppages. If your drain is plugged, you will need to invest in some liquid plumber to chemically dissolve or dislodge the grease and get your pipes flowing again.
4. PLUMBING ADVICE – YOU CAN USE BAKING SODA TO UNCLOG YOUR SINK OR GARBAGE DISPOSAL
If your sink or disposal has been clogged for days, a simple baking soda solution may be the answer. Dissolve one cup of baking soda in a few cups of water and pour the mixture down the drain. Plug up the drain with a wet rag to prevent any overflow while you wait for it to work.
5. PLUMBING ADVICE – IF YOU WANT TO KNOW IF YOUR PIPES ARE FROZEN, TURN OFF THE WATER AND SEE IF IT STILL FREEZES
Many people are unaware that if your pipes are frozen, turning off the water will not stop them from freezing. If your pipes are frozen and you turn the water back on, the liquid in the pipe will freeze again. This can cause burst pipes and other plumbing problems. If you turn the water off and let it thaw, then turn it back on, you will have saved yourself time and money. You could also elect to use a hairdryer to warm up the pipes and unfreeze them, as recommended by Anglian Water.
6. PLUMBING ADVICE – IF YOU HAVE A CLOGGED TOILET, DON’T PUT ANYTHING DOWN THERE EXCEPT FOR A PLUNGER OR CHEMICAL DRAIN CLEANER
Plungers work by using suction to pull the clog down, while chemical drain cleaners work by eating away at any organic matter that is causing the clog. If a plunger doesn’t work, you can always try a chemical drain cleaner. Using chemical drain cleaners can be dangerous if you do not follow the instructions on the bottle. Be sure to mix them in well with hot water, allow it to sit for a few minutes, and then rinse away.
7. PLUMBING ADVICE – ALWAYS CHECK FOR LEAKS IN YOUR PLUMBING SYSTEM BEFORE WINTER ARRIVES MAKE SURE ALL PIPES ARE INSULATED AND THAT OUTSIDE FAUCETS ARE TURNED OFF
There is no better time to make sure your plumbing system is in excellent condition than before winter arrives. If you live in a cold climate, the pipes that carry hot and cold water to your home are at risk of freezing if they are not properly insulated. You should also make sure that all outside faucets are turned off so that water doesn’t accidentally spill into the frozen area of the ground.
8. IF YOU HAVE A LEAKY PIPE, DO NOT TRY TO REPAIR IT YOURSELF – CALL PROFESSIONAL HELP IMMEDIATELY!
Before you decide to try and fix a leaky pipe, it is important to understand how serious the problem could be. There are many videos that show people how to fix small leaks themselves, but these tutorials are not always useful. Sometimes the DIY approach can make an already bad situation worse and lead to more damage in your home. So before you start taking matters into your own hands, give at least one professional a call to see if they can help. Leaking pipes are usually caused by an accumulation of sediment and other material in the pipe causing it to be clogged and unable to carry water properly.
PLUMBING ADVICE – STANDOUT FROM THE CROWD AND HIGHLIGHT THESE POINTS WITH YOUR NEXT CUSTOMER AS A VALUE ADDED SERVICE…
Although a lot of these points might seem “basic”, remember that customers are not trade professionals like yourselves! Simple tips, trick and advice can go a long way in building a relationship with a customer to ensure that they become a customer for life by adding this value added service.
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