First Time Homeowner Plumbing FAQ: Part 1

Did you recently buy your first home? If so, congratulations! And while the entire home buying process felt like a massive learning experience for you, believe it or not, there is more to learn. Now it is time to understand the ins and outs of keeping your home functioning and comfortable for your family and guests. Here at Fagone Plumbing, we wanted to write a blog for first-time homebuyers that will answer some of the most asked questions regarding their plumbing system.

First Step when a Toilet overflows?

When a toilet overflows, it is essential to consider the root cause of why water isn’t going where it is supposed to go. The general main cause of toilets overflowing is due to those using toilet flushing items that are not meant to be flushed. Here are the steps you should take when you see your toilet overflowing

  1. Place towels on the floor around the toilet to absorb overflowing water, this helps prevent water damage in the future

  2. Remove the lid on the top of the toilet, place to the side, and press down on the ‘flapper valve’- the rubber piece on the bottom of the tank. This should stop water flowing into the bowl.

  3. Next, lift the float to stop the tank from filling up.

  4. Lastly, and while continuing to hold down the flapper valve, close the toilet supply valve that is typically located just off the floor or on the wall behind the toilet.

After remediating the toilet overflow, contact a Fagone Plumbing to find the exact cause of your toilet overflowing. This can sometimes be an issue with your septic tank or pipes, and no amount of plunging can fix that issue!

What are some additional signs my plumbing has issues?

There are a few telltale signs a home's plumbing is experiencing some issues. Have you noticed your water bill being higher than usual yet, your household continues to use the same amount of water? This could be a sign of a leak or an inefficient system.

Have you noticed a significant drop in water pressure almost overnight? This is a sign that the system is not working correctly.

Lift the lid off the top of your toilet. Do you notice different marks indicating a change in water level? Issues within your sewer line can cause this. The problem could be a crack or tree roots that have made their way inside the pipe.

Fagone Plumbing: The North Shores Resident Expert Plumber

Fagone Plumbing is an expert at diagnosing and remediating issues for first-time homeowners. We pride ourselves on providing accurate, competitively priced services that are fair for our customers. If you live in Massachusetts and feel your plumbing isn't working its best, contact Fagone Plumbing today for an assessment!

Nick Fagone