Having good plumbing is an important part of managing your home. The following tips will teach you some great ways in which you can easily handle issues with the plumbing in your home.
You don’t want to end up with frozen pipes, so take preventive action, such as wrapping outside pipes with insulation, and keeping indoor temperatures above freezing at all times. Pipes have the potential to freeze if the surrounding temperatures are below the freezing mark. If they do freeze, you are looking at some time before they can thaw out, thus you will have to wait for running water. At worst, they will burst and you’ll be paying to repair the damage.
To prevent pipes from freezing, don’t let temperatures drop under freezing in your home, and be certain to adequately insulate those pipes that are out in the weather. Pipes will freeze as soon as they reach freezing temperatures. It could take some time to thaw out so that you can have running water. However, they could burst, as well – making a huge plumbing bill.
Septic Tank
Get to know the tools and how they are used for the most success in plumbing. You should read the manual with any new tool you purchase. If you don’t have the manual, look online or at your local library for more information. You should do the same amount of research on the steps required for your project. Have everything you need by way of tools and information before you attempt a repair on your own.
Pump your septic tank at least every five years to keep it in proper working condition. 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 your home has well water and you start seeing orange or pink stains, you probably have iron in your water supply. 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.
Always have cold water running when you are using your garbage disposal. The cold water helps keep the blades sharp and can make disposal much smoother. Hot water liquifies grease and causes it to buildup in the drain, causing clogs in the pipes.
Ensure that the overflow holes have not clogged. Clear overflow holes periodically when doing periodic checks for other problems and things that should be addressed.
Always have cold water running when your garbage disposal is running. Cold water keeps blades sharp.
When replacing your shower head, spend the money on a high-quality model. Many times, people think it is okay to buy the cheapest shower head that they can find. Inexpensive shower heads are not terribly sturdy, though, and may not hold up to daily use.
If the hose that leads to your kitchen sink has not been maintained or installed properly, it is probably because the hose attached to the sink is not installed correctly. The hose from your sink and the dishwasher has to go upward before going back down in order for the water of both locations to not mix.
Clean the aerator to fix low pressure issues which result from sediment build up. Take out the aerator, disassemble it, and brush it clean with a little vinegar.
Avoid using drain cleaners as much as possible. There are some harsh, corrosive chemicals found in these drain cleaners. That’s why they work so well to knock out clogs. Over time, they will corrode your pipes. If your drain frequently blocks, then call a professional to see what the real problem is, and get it solved once and for all.
Try not to use of dry cleaners if you can. Drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals and can cause your pipes to corrode if you overuse them. If you believe your drain is seriously clogged, think about hiring a plumber to do a estimate and tell you what the issue is.
There are two ways to get a stubborn clean-out plug. The first approach to use is taking a hammer and chisel to loosen the fitting. The only other alternative is to chisel through to clean out the plug.
If you need a good plumber, make sure you check out their reviews. Some plumbers do not have the experience to deal with certain problems, and may make matters worse. Make sure to look at any online reviews, or ask for a referral from a friend or family member.
If you start to have sewage backup inside your toilet, this is due to a blockage in the branch line connecting the main line and sewage line. If you have difficulty removing this blockage, call a company that has special equipment to clear the line, who will run a snake along the line to clear it.
Check your faucets outdoors for dripping or leaking before winter arrives. If there are drips or leaks, you must fix them before the first freeze. Whatever material your pipes are built from, freezing water causes pressure that can make them crack.Even a small crack will let enough water to flood your home.
Because plumbing is so difficult, many people are overwhelmed by the prospect of plumbing repairs, and will pay any price to plumbers. If you own a home, you need to at least be able to understand what a plumber is doing when he makes repairs. The more you know, the less likely you’ll be likely to get ripped off.
As you can see, there are many tips and tricks that you can use to fix the plumbing in your home. If you use these tips, you will be able to fix the vast majority of your plumbing problems without needing to call in a professional.