Quick, tell us where your emergency shut off valves are! Not sure? No need to panic yet. Your knowledge of your plumbing system may not be dinner table conversation, but getting familiar with your plumbing will definitely help you in an emergency. Understanding the basics of your plumbing can be the difference in a minor or major disaster in the event of a pipe break or sewer problem. Some of your knowledge can also be sure that you don’t need an expert opinion in every instance – but when you do, Stewart is on call for all your plumbing service needs.

Why Stewart Plumbing?

Stewart Plumbing has been serving the Memphis community since 1993, giving us more than 20 years of experience that benefits you as a homeowner when you’re looking for trustworthy, talented professionals for your plumbing service needs. From repair and maintenance to installation or consulting on a remodel, Stewart is here to offer you quality service from a company that cares.

• 24/7 Emergency Service
• Follow Nexstar Best Practices
• Unrivaled Customer Service
• Same-Day Service
• Licensed Technicians

10 Plumbing Service Tips of the Trade

1. Find Your Emergency Shut-Off Valves – Your sink, washing machine, and home all have their own water shut off valve. In the case of an emergency, knowing where to turn will mean the difference in minor versus major clean-up and damage.
2. Avoid Water Heater Roulette – Your water heater makes up a significant percentage of your electricity usage. Having the right water heater for the job ensures you aren’t using – or abusing – your energy usage. If your water heater is old, its efficiency may also be waning. Upgrades or replacements may benefit you in the long run.
3. Got a lift station? A lift station pumps waste and runoff from low elevation to a higher elevation. If something goes wrong here, you may be in for some problems. This is not a job for the do-it-yourselfer, however, and a plumbing service professional will need to be called for regular maintenance to prevent breakdowns.
4. Don’t Put That Down There – Your sink backs up. What’s your first thought? Draino, perhaps, but this could mean a treacherous answer if you don’t know what your pipes are made of. Even heavy duty plastic will not stand up to the acid and you could be eroding your pipes with your choice of cleaner. Always consult with a professional before you pour chemicals down the drain, and watch for signs of poisoning if you keep Draino handy in your home. If you have persistent clogs, you may need professional drain cleaning.
5. Flush Valves May Be Costing You – If your toilet is running several minutes after you flush, your flush valves may be to blame. Your water bill may reflect a lot of unrecognized water usage – and this is a key area to be aware of. Replacing your flush valves is actually a job you may be able to learn to do yourself.
6. Investment Mindset – Your older appliances are starting to show their age, sure, but what about their efficiency? You may not be aware how much of your consumption could be saved by replacing older appliances. Upgrading your washing machine or water heater may sound like a pricey cost, but as an investment, it will save you money in the long run and help you conserve energy in the short term.
7. Get Out On Your Lawn – If you take note of recurring puddles, water spots, drainage, and areas around your faucets, you may notice that you have water leakage. This could be from irrigation and sprinkler systems and can go unnoticed for long periods of time if you’re not looking for it. Having these systems checked by a plumbing professional can ensure you don’t miss a thing.
8. Take a Count of Your Plungers – You need a plunger for every toilet in your home and another for under your kitchen sink. Having to run for a plunger in the case of a backup can mean costly seconds of overflow or mess. Letting them live behind your toilet means you’ll always have one handy when you need it most.
9. Vent it Out – Your bathroom needs a vent in order to keep mold from taking advantage of this wet, warm climate. If you don’t have a window, this is a particular necessity to make sure you’re not growing anything unwelcome. Consult a plumbing service professional in the event of remodeling to make sure you’re all set.
10. Strain Your Drains – Your first line of defense for clogged drains is a strainer, a filter or net of sorts that can be placed in your drains to make sure you’re not calling the plumber for preventable issues. These strainers can catch hair and debris in your shower and food in your sink to make it easy to handle yourself.

 Call Stewart Plumbing today for any of your residential or commercial plumbing service needs!