Sometimes, all it takes to fix a plumbing problem is a bit of information, and the tips in this article provide a solid resource to learn from.
To avoid frozen pipes in your home, never allow the temperature in your house to drop below freezing and insulate any pipes that are exposed to the elements. Pipes will freeze if they are exposed to temperatures below freezing. In the best situation, it can take hours for frozen pipes to thaw and water to run freely again. However, frozen pipes often burst, causing damage to your home and a hefty repair bill.
To avoid frozen pipes in your home, always maintain a temperature in the house above freezing and make sure all pipes exposed to outside elements are insulated properly. Your plumbing can freeze if temperatures around them fall below 32 degrees.It may take time for thawing to occur so you can have running water. However, they could burst, leading to flooding and costly repairs.
Septic Tank
Check the floors in your bathroom for any give in order to be sure that there is no damage in the floors. Sit reversed on the toilet (facing the tank) with your feet on the floor. Rock your weight onto each foot in turn and see if you can feel any weakness or “give” in the floor. This will save you a lot of trouble and money if you find the issue before something horrible happens.
Have your septic tank every five years to keep it in prime condition. While it may cost a bit to have your septic tank pumped out, the cost is much higher to have sewage and backups cleaned up and your septic tank repaired or replaced.
Do not pay anything until the job. You may need to make a small down payment before the job has begun, though you should not pay the full cost until you can be certain that the job was done correctly. You want to make sure that the plumber did his job before you pay him.
Have all your plumbing needs scheduled all at once. You might be tempted to contact a plumber every time you face a small problem, but if you have problems repaired all at once, you will have time to save money for the fixes. Most plumbers charge an hourly fee that can be minimized if there is only one visit to your home.
If your toilet happens to be clogged, your plunger is not fixing it, you can pour a bucket of hot water down the toilet, you can sometimes fix the problem by dumping warm water into your toilet at waist level (or maybe even a little higher). Repeat this once your water returns back to a lower level.
Pour equal parts baking soda followed by vinegar down your bathtub drain every month. Plug up the opening or cover it with a cloth while the chemical reaction to occur. After giving the mixture time to work, clear the pipes out with a gallon of boiling water. Doing this will help rid your pipes of any soap scum or hair that has accumulated.
Always use cold water when your garbage disposal is running. Cold water helps the blades stay sharp and keeps the disposal running smoothly. Hot water liquifies grease and causes it to buildup in the drain, causing clogs in the pipes.
It is important to always run cold water when running your garbage disposal. Cold water keeps blades and encourage a smoother disposal.
Kitchen Sink
When changing your shower head, replace it with one of good quality. People try to save money by buying the least expensive shower head that is out there. The problem with this is that they are not very sturdy and can break much easier.
If water that is not supposed to be there is in the dishwasher, check how the kitchen sink hoses are installed. The hose connecting the kitchen sink and the dishwasher needs to go up and then down in order for the water of both locations to not mix.
Do not attempt to remove grout out of a line by yourself. You can try to break up all the grout to send it down further. This works better with plastic instead of metal.
Try not to use drain cleaners too often, it at all. Drain cleaners contain caustic and damaging chemicals which can destroy your pipes if used too often. If you discover that you have a blocked drain, the best course of action is to hire a professional to call by and examine it for you.
Drain Cleaners
Don’t rely on drain cleaners if you can avoid it. Drain cleaners contain very corrosive chemicals and can cause damage pipes if used too much. If you do have a clogged drain, the best course of action is to hire a professional to call by and examine it for you.
Realize that branch lines can get blocked and cause sewage backups that affect main lines. If you are unable to address this blockage on your own, you may require the services of a professional. The blockage will be cleared by running a snake throughout the line.
There are two ways to get a clean out plugs. The first method involves a hammer and chisel to loosen the fitting loose. The only other method is to take the chisel and use it right through it.
Check to see if you have toilet for any leaks.An easy way to determine this is to add a couple drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. Watch your toilet bowl closely, and if you see colored water within a few seconds, you will know you have something that has to be taken care of.
Know where the location of the main water-valve is on your property. There will be a water meter there or nearby. Toilets, sinks and other fixtures should also have cut-off valves. Make sure your entire family is aware of the location of these shut-off valves and how to use them in the event of an emergency.
If your toilet has sewage back-up, this is due to a blockage in the branch line connecting the main line and sewage line. If you can’t clear the blockage yourself, contact a professional plumber, usually a plumber’s snake.
If you’re ready to conquer plumbing issues, keep these tips in mind. It’s great to save cash by making your own repairs, but when you have to call in the pros, be sure to use the right ones. Follow the advice here and take it to heart.
Many people have no clue what plumbing entails, so they will pay whatever price the plumber demands. If you own a home, you need to at least be able to understand what a plumber is doing when he makes repairs. By gaining this education, you can protect yourself from getting ripped off by a shady plumber.