If you plan on maintaining your plumbing yourself, there is a world of information that you need to know. Whether you are outfitting your tool shed or wading through local regulations, knowledge is critical. These tips will help you accomplish the unthinkable and establish control over your plumbing once again!
It’s easy to fix noisy pipes which squeak or sound like hammering. Anchor any pipes that are exposed. If pipes are located in the floors, ceiling or walls, a professional might be needed for the job.
Do not pay anything until the problem is fixed. Some plumbers may require a deposit, but don’t fork over all the dough until the job is completed to spec. You need to know the plumber did what he promised before he is reimbursed for the entire amount.
If your water pipe has frozen, start water running in the faucet closest to the frozen pipe. This will give excess water somewhere to drain as the ice in the pipe thaws. As such, bursting can be halted, saving you from even more costly damages.
Septic Tank
Your septic tank should be pumped out at least once every five years if you want it to stay in optimum working order. Septic systems can back up when the septic tank builds up sediment. This can even result in the septic system failing altogether. Hiring a professional to pump out your septic tank is costly, but it is far preferable to the damages that could be incurred if the tank becomes backed-up or inoperative.
If your home has a well for water and there are pink or orange stains in the sinks and tubs, this could be due to high iron content in your water. Using a water softener can help fix this problem. You can obtain a water softener at any home improvement store, or rent them from specialist companies.
If a plunger is ineffective, you might be able to do the trick with a bucket of warm water. If one attempt doesn’t solve the problem, you can do it again once the water level stabilizes.
Sifting drainers are available for any size drain to prevent items larger than a grain of sand going into your pipes. Clean your kitchen strainer often, particularly if you can see debris accumulating. Strainers placed in a bathtub can be cleaned periodically.
Try to never pour grease, fat, or any oil-based liquids into your drains. Oils will eventually harden and clog up your drain. Even with a garbage disposal, you are going to cause it to be less efficient and risk drain backups. See to it that you dispose the oils away from your sink.
Installing efficient shower heads could save you a lot of money when it comes to your energy bill. The shower uses most of the hot water. When you invest in energy-efficient shower heads, you will save around $100 a year for every shower head.
Overflow Holes
Check to make sure that overflow holes are not clogged up. Overflow holes drain sink that fill too full and may go unnoticed until they are needed. It’s easy to maintain your plumbing, in this regard. When you’re performing periodic checks, simply clear any overflow holes while checking for other potential problems.
If you notice water draining into your dishwater, check your kitchen sink. The hose might not be installed properly. The hose going from the dishwasher to the sink needs to angle uphill before going back downhill to prevent water from both being mixed.
Be sure that the dryer’s lint trap is clean. This can prevent fires and malfunctions. Be sure you inspect your lint trap for tears or holes that could mean lint is going into your pipes, which can cause clogs and issues.
Enzyme Based
If you need to buy a pipe cleaner to unclog your pipes, it is best to find one that is enzyme based. Enzyme based cleaners work by using natural bacteria that turns the sludge clogged in your pipes into a liquid, allowing it to flow down the drain with ease. Enzyme cleaners are efficient and will not damage your pipes.
Frozen pipes can lead to a large plumbing bill. Fortunately, it is usually relatively easy to prevent your pipes from freezing. The first step is to check your outside pipes and ensure they are well insulated. In addition, as the weather turns colder, make it a point to drain and detach your hoses. Finally, turn off the faucet located outside. If you take these preventative measures, you will save money in the long run.
If there is grout stuck in your line, it is most likely going to be a lost cause attempting to clean it all yourself. You might be able to break it up a little bit and then get it a little further down the line. This will work better if the pipes you have are plastic instead of metal. However, this problem usually requires the help of a plumber.
Clean the aerator to adjust water pressure issues which result from sediment build up. A small brush (an old toothbrush is ideal) dipped in vinegar will do a great job on the aerator after it’s been removed and disassembled. After rinsing the aerator, put it back together and reinstall it. This should remove any obstructions that were in the aerator, thereby improving your water pressure.
Garbage Disposal
Don’t bother running your water when you use the garbage disposal. Water doesn’t actually help to wash items down the garbage disposal. In fact, it could cause garbage to stick to your disposal, which can create more damage.
Be certain that your toilet does not have a leak. A great way to do to this is to drop a couple of food coloring drops into your toilet tank. Watch your toilet bowl closely, and if you notice colored water in a manner of seconds, you definitely have a leak that will need to be fixed.
Sometimes, the plumber is chosen by an insurance company without your input, but you can look them up online anyway. Your insurance company may schedule a plumber for you, but you can still prepare for them by looking at their website and checking out customer reviews and feedback.
If you need a plumber, check out their reviews before hiring. Certain plumbers may not have the necessary skill or experience to deal with more advanced plumbing jobs, and could make matters worse. Look up reviews for plumbers, or ask people you know for a recommendation.
Make sure your toilet is not leaking. A great way to do to this is to drop a couple of food coloring drops into your toilet tank. Then, observe the bowl. If the water turns the same color as the food coloring, you know there is some sort of leak that must be fixed right away.
A lot of people do not know what to do about their plumbing issues so they pay a plumber big bucks! If you own your own home, you should at least learn enough about plumbing to understand how plumbing problems should be handled by a professional. By learning a little bit about the topic, you can rest assured that you won’t be robbed blind by a plumber.
You need to make sure outside faucets are covered and not dripping as winter approaches. If they are, it is important to have all repairs completed before the temperatures drop below freezing. No matter what material your pipes are constructed from, the additional pressure that results from freezing water will crack them. Even a very tiny crack can cause water to get out and flood your home, or at least cause some water damage.
As you’ve seen, plumbing is not that complicated. There are, however, certain basics that you must understand. All that is needed to start is common sense, effort and research to determine the most efficient way of handling your particular job.