Just like it helps to know the various working parts of your car and what can go wrong, it helps to know some of the parts of your plumbing system and if something goes wrong, when to call the plumber. Five Star Plumbing provides plumbing repair and installation throughout the greater Baltimore area, including Baltimore County, Harford County, Cecil County and Howard County.
A- Automatic Emergency Water Shut Off Valve
This is something every homeowner should be familiar with. In the event of a plumbing emergency, shutting off the water valve can minimize water damage from a burst pipe. Make sure you know where yours is located!
Without a backflow preventer, unsanitary water can mingle and contaminate with your potable (drinking) water.
C- Check for Leaks in Your Home’s Plumbing
Small, slow leaks not only do potential damage, they also waste water and money. Look for puddles under the sink or near the toilet.
D- Drains – Keep Strainers in Your Drains to Prevent Clogs
Keeping strainers in your drains can help prevent clogs, along with our drain cleaning services.
E- Emergency Sump Pump
An emergency sump pump can be used as a backup when the power goes out, and is battery-powered.
F- Faucets
Leaky faucets can waste a lot of water. Call us for plumbing repair of your leaky faucets. We can also install new faucets to upgrade your kitchen or bath.
G- Garbage Disposal
Avoid garbage disposal problems by throwing away or composting items that may clog it. Be sure to turn it off before attempting to dislodge anything, and if it stops working, you can use the wrench to try and dislodge the item, and then use the red reset button on the bottom of the unit. (Google for directions if you need to). Of course, we repair and install garbage disposals.
H- Hot Water Heater
The right water heater can make a big impact on your energy bill. If your water heater is leaking or is more than ten years old, call Five Star Plumbing for water heater repair or to install a new water heater.
I- Ice Maker Line
We can install an ice maker line for your refrigerator/freezer if you don’t already have one. We also repair damaged water lines.
J- J-Hook Water Pipe Hangers
These handy little hooks help dampen noise and keep pipes from sagging.
K- Kitchen Sink Drain Chemicals
If you have plastic pipes in your home, sink drain chemicals can eat right through them. Even metal pipes can corrode over time. Try using baking soda and vinegar, or a degreasing dish detergent first. If clogs persist, call the plumber.
L- Leach Lines
Pipes that carry waste water from the septic system out to the leach field, a porous soil area where treated water is emptied.
M- Main
The primary artery of the water supply or drain system to which all other water pipes connect.
N- Nillpe
A short piece of pipe installed between couplings or other fittings.
O- Overflow Tube
The vertical tube inside a toilet tank that directs water into the toilet bowl in case the ballcock malfunctions and fails to stop the tank from constantly filling. A constantly running toilet is a common plumbing problem.
P- Plunger
The suction power of plungers can take care of most minor to moderate clogs quickly, and spare you lots of unpleasant clean-up. Also known as a “plumber’s helper”.
Q- Quick Connect Fittings
Quick connect plumbing fittings can often be installed with no tools and can replace older, worn units.
R- Relief Valve
This is an essential safety element that keeps pressure from building up in water heaters. Without this safeguard, there is a risk of the water heater rupturing/exploding.
S- Septic Tank
Keep your septic tank and septic system in good shape by scheduling pump outs every couple years and have your system inspected regularly. Use best practices, being careful of what you put down the toilet or sink drains, limiting chemicals, conserving water and treating it with care.
T- Toilet
If it’s not broke, don’t fix it, right? Well, in the case of your toilet, replacing it with a low-flow toilet can save around four gallons per flush. That’s a lot of water conservation!
U- Under Sink Shut-Off Valve
It’s important to know where your shut-off valve is, and to get familiar with it. The under-sink shut-off valve can turn off the water and stop the flow without interfering with the water in other bathrooms and the kitchen. It’s a good idea to take a look at the valves and pipes under your sink occassionaly, to look for leaks, water damage or corrosion.
V- Vents
Plumbing vents are those white pipes sticking out of your roof. Vents help your plumbing system prevent sewer gases from coming into your home.
W- Well Pump
The pump that brings well water from underground and into your home or business. Call Five Star Plumbing for well pump service, repair or replacement.
X
Y- Yard Hydrants
Freeze-proof yard hydrants are a great solution for large property needs such as your farm, orchard or livestock operation.
Zoeller
A well-known pump manufacturer suppling sump pumps, sewage ejector pumps, agricultural pumps, etc.
Knowing the ABC’s of your plumbing system can help you maintain your home’s plumbing. If you have questions about your home’s plumbing, need to schedule plumbing repair or plumbing installation, call your local plumber at Five Star Plumbing at 410-836-0118.