Congratulations on your new place! Now get ready to learn what you need to know about the plumbing in your first apartment.
Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870
Whether fresh out of college or your parents basement, moving into your first apartment is a milestone moment in your life. The independence, privacy, and prospects are quite stimulating, but the sudden responsibility of taking care of a residence can be a bit intimidating. From paying bills and organizing a budget, to taking out the trash to replacing the toilet paper roll, living on your own for the first time will certainly be an eye-opening experience, but it is certainly something you can handle. One of the most important aspects of caring for your apartment is basic plumbing maintenance.
Although you do not own any of the appliances or plumbing, you can be held accountable for certain types of damages caused by neglect. In fact, it is possible for apartment complexes to not refund a deposit if the plumbing was not properly managed. In serious cases of damage or neglect, they can file lawsuits against a renter. These are serious situations, but nothing you should be concerned about as long as you stick to the basic rules of plumbing maintenance. Continue reading to learn some fundamental plumbing rules and tips for first-time renters.
☛ Find the Main Water Shut-Off Valve
In the case of a burst pipe, or flooding appliance, you will need to know where to turn off the main water supply to stop the flow of water. This is called your main water shut-off valve, and it is vital that you know where it is located in your apartment. Ask the maintenance technician for the complex, or simply contact the front office, and they will gladly come over and show you in person. Do not skip this very important step!
☛ Take Good Care of the Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposal systems are not cheap, so when they break, apartment complexes are highly displeased. Furthermore, not having an operating garbage disposal is inconvenient come time to cook. And a defective disposal can be a huge safety hazard. To avoid any problems or setbacks, be sure to take good care of your disposal. Learn the important garbage disposal plumbing tips, including which foods can and cannot go down them, and how to properly clean and freshen them.
☛ Manage Your Drains
Never let your drains get to the point that they need a major overhaul just to unclog them. Ladies who lose a lot of hair in the shower should be sure to collect and remove the hair from the drain after every shower. Just one or two showers is all it takes for enough hair to clog a drain. If you do have a clogged drain, use the proper materials to unclog them. Purchase a simple and inexpensive tool called a drain snake, which is a plastic stick with teeth on the side that grabs hair and pulls it out of the drain. All you have to do is push it in and pull it out. Follow up with a safe, chemical-free drain cleaner.
☛ Detach Your Garden Hose in the Winter
If you have a patio and intend on doing some gardening, you will likely install a garden hose. If you do, be sure to take it off and bring your hose inside for the winter. Otherwise, it will be at risk of freezing your pipes. If you have outdoor pipes that are exposed, you will do well to cover those with proper insulating materials to prevent frozen pipes too.
☛ Have a Licensed Plumber on Speed Dial
Of course you don’t have to have speed dial, but it is very important to have the phone number to a licensed plumber or company in the case of a plumbing emergency. Although most apartment complexes have in-house staffs that manage these issues, such as maintenance men and subcontractors, sometimes they require renters to choose their own source of plumbing repair, and then later reimburse them for the services. This is common in condominium complexes and townhomes.
Who Can You Trust for Expert Plumbing Repair?
Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870
