There are lots of problems that can go wrong with plumbing. Some problems are a simple fix, but many others are much more complicated. No matter what your particular case may be, you should be educated so when there is an emergency, so that the problem can be fixed in a timely manner.
Anchoring your pipes can eliminate the hammering and squeaking noises caused by loose pipes and fitting. You simply have to securely fasten any pipes that are exposed. For pipes that are situated inside walls, or the floor or ceiling, you should hire a professional.
Noisy pipes that make squeaking or hammering sounds are an easy do-it-yourself project. You will need to anchor all exposed pipes.
Pump out your septic tank at least every five years to keep it working well. Although having a septic tank pumped costs money, it will cost a lot more having to clean sewage backup or having to fix or replace a septic tank.
If your garbage disposal is having problems, don’t give in to the desire to attempt a fix by reaching down into the disposal. Even when in the off position, garbage disposals are dangerous. Try to find a diagram, or troubleshooting guide for your particular disposal on the Internet.
Don’t use harsh chemicals such as toilet tablets that claim to be cleaners in your toilet. These may deodorize, but they can seriously damage the rubber pieces in the toilet, which can prevent your toilet from functioning correctly.
Use strainers on all drains to keep foreign objects and debris from getting through. The ones in the bathroom can be cleaned out on a regular basis.
If you see unwanted water that keeps draining into your dishwasher, the problem is most likely a hose running to your kitchen sink that was not correctly installed. The hose leading from the kitchen sink to the dishwasher must lead uphill and then back downhill in order to prevent mixing of water from both devices.
If you get your water from a well and orange or pink stains appear in your sink or tub, this is no doubt due to iron in the water. This is something that needs to be taken care of by water softener, which can be bought at a store, or have a company come out to your house and take care of it for you.
Dish Soap
If you need to replace your shower head, make sure that you buy a new one that is high quality. Many times, people think it is okay to buy the cheapest shower head that they can find. However, they are inexpensive for a reason, this being that they are cheaply made and tend to break a lot easier.
By regularly incorporating a routine using a combination of dish soap, which includes a combination of lemon rinds, dish soap and even pits from a cherry, you can keep your disposal running smoothly and smelling as fresh as the day it was installed.
Always use cold water running when your garbage disposal is running. Cold water keeps blades sharp.
Don’t turn on your sink while using your garbage disposal. A common misconception is that if you flow water into the disposal while you’re putting solid items down there, the process will be smoother, but that just isn’t true. It can even cause what you put down the disposal to stick, causing damage to the unit.
Efficient Shower Heads
Installing efficient shower heads could save you tons of money on your energy bill. Most households use a lot of our hot water we use is in the shower. When you invest in energy-efficient shower heads, you will save around 100 dollars or more per shower.
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. Keep your eyes on the toilet bowl, and if the colored water seeps into the bowl, you know that there is an issue with your toilet that you will need to take care of soon.
Don’t flush items like paper towels, sanitary napkins, diapers or cotton balls, paper towels and cotton balls.
Some people think they can get away with the cheapest head for your shower in the store. The problem with this is that they are not very sturdy and can break.
If you are looking for a plumbing contractor, take some time to check with the Department of Consumer Affairs. You can look at their track record, looking to see whether their license is valid and if they have any complaints lodged against them. Do not hire a plumber with a license that is not in good standing.
Enzyme Based Cleaners
Use a cleaner that is enzyme based cleaners when cleaning clogged pipes. These cleaners employ helpful bacteria which process the sludge lining your pipes, and then the liquid flows out of the pipes. Enzyme based cleaners should be your first choice.
Many people will let plumbers shake them down for high fees, because they have no idea about plumbing themselves. If you are a homeowner, then you should be sure to educate yourself enough to at least understand what a professional is doing. This is wise to keep you from being overcharged, or having unnecessary repairs done.
Don’t bother running water while putting food through your garbage disposal. It can even cause what you put down the disposal to stick, creating damage.
You might not be able to control which plumber you have to use, even if you did not choose them. If the insurance company you have scheduled a plumber for you, see if they have a website, read any testimonials and other feedback so you know what to expect once they arrive at your home.
When installing or replacing a water heater, pay attention to the drainage pipe. The pipe extruding from the draining pipe needs to be reconnected to the water heater. It’s probably a pipe for recirculation, and that does a tremendous job of keeping your water hot without wasting water along the way.
Plumbing Problems
As mentioned, there are a variety of plumbing problems, from small to large. By applying the helpful advice of this article, hopefully you will be successful in dealing with whatever plumbing problems arise in your future.
Flood alarms are available for self installation to protect your home from water damage. A flood alarm will protect your property from water damage, much like a smoke detector will protect your house from fire. They run on batteries and make a sound when they are touched by water. They can let you know about a leak or flood even while you’re sleeping!