Proper plumbing is key to a vital element to home maintenance.This article provides some fantastic tips for helping you maintain and fixing your home plumbing.
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. If the temperature surrounding the pipes is anywhere below freezing, this can cause the pipes to freeze. In the best situation, it can take hours for frozen pipes to thaw and water to run freely again. In the worst case, the pipes would burst, and you would be stuck with costly repairs and a very messy cleanup procedure.
To eliminate the possibility of having frozen pipes, maintain a constant temperature in your home above freezing, and insulate external pipes. Your pipes can freeze if the air around it is below 32 degrees. It may take time for thawing to occur so that you can have running water. However, frozen pipes commonly break or crack pipes, causing damage to your home and a hefty repair bill.
Pump your septic tank at least every five years to keep it in proper working well. Although it could cost a good deal of money to pump out your septic tank, cleaning up sewage backup in your home will ultimately cost much more.
If something is wrong with the disposal in your sink, avoid the temptation to stick your hand in there to fix it. Even when in the off position, garbage disposals are dangerous. Use the Internet to find a diagram of your device, or a troubleshooter.
Don’t use harsh chemicals such as toilet tablets that claim to be cleaners in your toilet. These may deodorize, but they have the side effect of damaging the rubber in your toilet, causing poor functionality or even complete breakdown of the fixture.
Use strainers on all drains to prevent debris that might clog the pipes from getting through. The ones in the bathroom can be cleaned out on a regular basis.
Use baking soda and one cup of vinegar per month to keep the bathtub drain clear and running well. Cover it with a plug or rag, since a chemical reaction should happen in the pipes. After waiting a few minutes, flush the drain with boiling water. This procedure should be able to clear pipes of hair and soap scum.
Don’t pour oils, leftover frying fat or any oils down your sink drain. This is primarily true if you are someone who has a garbage disposals because the fats will make the blades turn more slowly and less efficiently. Make certain you dispose of all oils away from the sink.
It is important to run your faucet with cold water while using your garbage disposal. Cold water keeps blades sharp.
Enzyme-based products are often superior to other options when your drains are clogged. These cleaners turn the sludge into a liquid using natural bacteria, and then the liquid flows out of the pipes. Enzyme based cleaners are not corrosive so they won’t erode your metal pipes.
Kitchen Sink
If water is draining into a dishwasher, it’s probably due to the kitchen sink’s hose being improperly 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.
It is always a good idea to do your research before hiring a plumber to come and do work in your home. Some plumbers may not be experienced or skilled enough to be able to handle some jobs, and can actually make the problem worse. Search for reviews of plumbers, or ask friends or family members to recommend a competent plumber.
Some people think it’s alright to get away with the cheapest version at the store. The issue with this is that is they’re less tough and can break much easier.
Use enzyme based if you want to clean clogged pipes. These cleaners turn the sludge into a liquid using natural bacteria, and turn it to liquid. Enzyme cleaners are efficient and will not damage your metal pipes.
To make your water heater work better, pick the right size. The size of your hot water tank depends on how often your family uses hot water. The more people living in your house, the bigger the tank should be. Similarly, if you run a lot of appliances that require hot water such as dishwashers and washing machines, you’ll need a bigger hot water tank too.
Don’t use drain cleaners too much. Drain cleaners contain caustic and damaging chemicals which can destroy your pipes if used too much. If you believe your drain is seriously clogged, the best course of action is to hire a professional to call by and examine it for you.
There are two ways to remove stubborn clean-out plug. The first approach to use a hammer and chisel to attempt loosening the fitting loose. The only other alternative is to chisel and use it right through the clean out plug.
Avoid using drain openers that contain chemicals while attempting to unclog the drain. These products are efficient, but extremely harmful. Wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt if you absolutely must use them.
If you need to repair your home plumbing, you have a lot of options as to what to do. This knowledge is extremely valuable not only for fixing up your own home, but also for not having to rely on other people.