When it’s time to fix your plumbing, you might wonder where to start, equipment, what equipment to buy and what rules to follow. The helpful tips laid out here can help you realize what information you need in order to be a smarter plumber.
Plumbing that constantly squeaks, pounds, and emits other noises is irritating but, fortunately, the problem is often easily fixed. Anchor any pipes that are exposed. Call a plumber to help with pipes that require you to cut a hole in a wall, ceiling or floor.
If your water pipe freezes, turn on a nearby faucet so that thawed ice has a place to go. This can prevent damage to your house because it lets the pressure that is in the pipe out, and can keep them from bursting.
Septic Tank
To maintain a clean, well-functioning septic tank, it is recommended that you clean it out once every five years. Regular maintenance will keep sediment from backing up inside of the tank. Sediment can not only cause the sewage in the tank to back up into your house, but it can cause the tank to fail completely. Getting your septic tank drained occasionally may be expensive, but it’s dirt cheap compared to the cost of repairing a damaged septic system or the cleanup cost when raw sewage backs up into your home.
Have a professional flush your septic tank cleaned every five years or so 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.
Knowing what tools are what and how to use them can help greatly in your plumbing experience. Before attempting any repairs, plan ahead, a mistake could make repairs even more costly.
If you have a clogged toilet with the water level very low, and plunging it isn’t working, it’s possible to resolve this by pouring warm water from a bucket directly into the toilet bowl from about waist level. If the water goes down to a lower level again, then you should repeat the procedure.
Don’t use any colored tablets 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.
Pour baking soda followed by vinegar down your bathtub drain every month.Plug the drain and allow the chemical reaction to occur.Wait for a little while, then flush the pipes by pouring in a kettle full of boiling water. This should open up the pipes of accumulated hair and soap scum.
Avoid dumping oil, fat, and grease in your drain. This is a certain way to either slow your drainage or clog your drain entirely. Oils are especially damaging to garbage disposals. Pour the grease and oil into a can to cool, put it in the trash.
Always have cold water running when your garbage disposal. Cold water keeps blades sharp and makes the disposal run more smoothly.
Installing shower heads could save you a lot of money when it comes to your energy bill. Most hot water we use is from showering. By installing an energy-efficient shower head that might cost a few dollars, you can save over a hundred bucks or more per every shower head in the home.
Superior quality is important when it comes to shower fixtures. Choosing the cheapest shower head in the store can end up costing you more in the long run. Usually these break easily.
Cotton Balls
Don’t flush anything that is unlikely to dissolve and wind up clogging pipes, such as diapers, diapers or cotton balls, paper towels and cotton balls.
Frozen pipes can cause some very expensive plumbing repair jobs. However, this can typically be prevented. If you have any pipes outside, have them properly insulated. When wintertime comes, disconnect and drain your hoses and shut off outside faucets. This will keep you from paying too much to your plumber.
Be sure to check your dryer and clear your lint trap is clean. This will help your dryer operates efficiently and prevents fires. Be sure to check the trap for tears and rips, which can cause clogs and issues.
Clean the aerator to if you are dealing with low water pressure issues due to sediment build up. Take the aerator off, pull it apart, and clean inside with a brush soaked in vinegar.
It is always a good idea to do your research before hiring a plumber to come and do work in your home. Make sure the plumber is qualified to handle the job or more problems may occur. Search for reviews of plumbers, or ask friends or family members to recommend a competent plumber.
Don’t bother running water when the garbage disposal. In some cases, it could cause garbage to stick to your disposal, and contribute to future problems.
There are two easy methods to removing a clean out fitting out. The first one is to use a hammer and chisel to see if you can get the fitting loose. Your other option is to simply chisel through the plug itself.
Be aware of the location of the main water shutoff valve on your property. There will be a water meter there or nearby. Toilets, sinks and some other fixtures can have cut off valves of their own. Show your family members where these valves are, and then add markings that show how they should be turned off if an emergency occurs.
Insurance Company
Sometimes, the plumber is chosen by an insurance company without your input, but that doesn’t mean that looking him up on Angie’s List or a similar site isn’t a good idea.If the insurance company you have scheduled a plumber for you, you could always check out the website and the reviews and feedback left by customers, read any testimonials and other feedback so you know what to expect once they arrive at your home.
Water heaters often have a pipe that reaches from the drain pipe and this must be reconnected during installation of a new unit. The recirculation pipe helps hot water circulate through your plumbing system so that you won’t waste water while heating it.
Valves that are used tend to fuse together. You can maintain them using penetrating oil, and running water through them on a regular basis.
There are a lot of amateurs in plumbing, so if you consider yourself a professional plumber, you might want to get an apprentice. This approach provides cheap labor, as well as a fulfilling way to teach a younger person your skills.
If you notice water pooling around the water heater, shut off your water valves right away. If you dawdle, the leak could become worse and it will be difficult to prevent major damage from occurring.
As shown here, the fundamentals of plumbing aren’t impossible to figure out. You simply have to understand the basics. All that is needed to start is common sense, effort and research to determine the most efficient way of handling your particular job.