It’s best to start with the basics, such as finding the water shut-off valves in a manufactured home, detecting leaks, and solving low water pressure problems. Plumbing systems in manufactured homes are slightly different from stick-built homes, but the concept is exactly the same. Read on to learn how to cut your water off, fix leaks, and check the water pressure.
Understanding Your Plumbing System
One of the main differences between traditional homes and manufactured homes is where the plumbing pipes are located. Manufactured homes do not usually have plumbing pipes within the walls, instead, they are under the home and stubbed up through the floor. There are three separate systems that every home must-have for proper plumbing; supply lines, drain lines, and ventilation. Once you know how the system works and learn a few of the basics, you can repair small issues yourself. Of course, you should always call a plumber if there are serious problems. It is advisable that you have cut off valves added to each water source in your home for quick repairs and emergencies.
Toilet Leaks
If you suspect the toilet is leaking, you should check the tank for issues such as:
Water draining down the overflow tube when the tank is full. This means the fill valve is not working properly and needs to be replaced. The chain not laying straight, as it could be hooked to something. A worn-out or warped flapper seal.
You can also use a leak detection tablet or a small drop of food coloring. Just add it to the tank before you go to bed. If you see tinted water the next morning, you have a leak. It’s often easier to replace everything at once instead of part by part. Kits can be bought for less than $15.
Leak Detection Elsewhere
If you suspect a leak somewhere in the home but can’t find it, you can check to see if water is being used on your water meter. Make sure there is no water being used anywhere in the home, then go check your meter. If there is movement on one of the dials, you have a leak somewhere. Search both the home and the yard. The leak could be anywhere. If you can’t find any leaks, use the main shut-off valve either at the garden hose connector or at the water heater, but not at the main water meter. Once the water has been shut off, check your meter again. If it’s moving, your leak is most likely between the meter and the home, underground.
The aerator, or screen at the tip of the faucet, could need a good cleaning or replacement. The pressure-reducing valve needs replacement. Pressure-reducing valves, or regulator valves, reduce water pressure before it enters your home, and are vital to a healthy plumbing system. Freezing can cause the inner parts to stop working properly. If you have galvanized pipes, then lime, rust, and scale buildup could be causing the low pressure. The buildup rapidly occurs when the pipe is installed on an even horizontal grade.
Galvanized pipe is made of steel with a zinc coating. The minerals in water react to the material and create scale. This also causes water to have a foul smell or bad taste, like metallic. You should also make sure your main water meter and shut-off valves are turned as high as they can go.
