When it’s time to fix your plumbing, you might wonder where to start, what to consider, what equipment to buy and what rules to follow. This article can show you what is needed to get the job done and how to do it properly.
Your septic tank should be pumped out at least once every five years if you want it to stay in optimum working order. Doing so will help to avoid septic tank problems by ensuring that the tank does not become clogged with sediment. If the cost of pumping your septic tank seems a bit steep, remember that the cost of cleanup and repair of a failed septic system will be much higher.
Inspect around the toilets for softness in the floors to see if any damage has occurred. Sit on your toilet and sway across both feet to feel if there are any spots less firm than the others. As with many problems, early detection can save you a lot of money.
A strainer positioned over a drain can prevent stoppage by collecting food particles as they try to enter the drain. The strainer used in the kitchen will need to be cleaned frequently. A strainer in your bathtub should be checked occasionally and cleaned whenever necessary.
You should make sure not to put oils down the drain, such as grease and fat. When they cool, they’ll harden and clog your drain. This is very true for garbage disposal, since fat will make the blades run less quickly and efficiently. Don’t put oils down the sink.
If your house uses well water and you start to see orange or pink stains in your tub and other water fixtures, you have too much iron in your water. You can combat this by using a water softener. You can either purchase it at a store, or hire a company to come to your house to set it up for you.
Keep your bathtub in good shape by using a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar down its drain monthly. Put a rag over the drain afterward, though, to keep the chemicals from coming back up after the reaction. After a few minutes,just flush the drain out with water that has reached a boiling point. This method clears out soap scum buildup and accumulated hair that gets caught in the pipes.
If you run your garbage disposal after working in the kitchen, use a large quantity of cold water. The cold water will help keep the blades nice and sharp and will allow for a much smoother disposal. Hot water will liquefy grease and build up inside the drain, eventually causing clogs.
Kitchen Sink
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 connecting the kitchen sink and the dishwasher has to go up and then down in order for the water of both locations to not mix.
If you have clogged pipes and thinking about using a pipe cleaner, one that is enzyme based is highly recommended. These will utilize natural bacteria to transform sludge into a liquid that can be removed. The cleaners which use enzymes are currently rated the best available.
Prevention is the key to keeping your plumbing repair bills down. Drain clogs are a common plumbing expense. Drains are frequently clogged by hair. This can be prevented by using a drain cover or screen to keep the hair from going down the drain. You can easily clean out the drain covers on a regular basis; it’s harder to remove hair from drains once it’s fallen into them.
Fix issues related to low water pressure that are a result of a buildup of sediment by cleansing the aerator. The aerator should be removed and taken apart. Then, clean with a tiny brush swabbed in vinegar. Wash it off, put it back together and connect the aerator to the faucet. Removing obstructions from the aerator should allow for increased water pressure.
It is important to check the background of any plumbers you are looking at hiring, and get referrals if possible. Some plumbers just don’t know how to handle certain tasks which could make the problem worse. Look up reviews for plumbers, or ask people you know for a recommendation.
If sewage is backed up in your toilet, it’s most likely the result of a sever blockage of the branch line that connects the sewage line and main line. When your personal efforts can’t deal with such a clog, your only option is to have the line snaked out by a professional plumber.
You should always know where the main water cut-off valve is located on your property. There will be a water meter there or nearby. Toilets, sinks and fixtures might have cut-off valves, as well. Everyone in your household should know where cut-off valves are located and how to turn them off in the event of an emergency.
If you notice water dripping along or into your walls, it is very important for you to cut off the water supply immediately and notify a plumber. The dripping water indicates that there could be a major problem with the plumbing in your walls. Many problems of that scale can contribute to mildew, mold and possibly flooding.
As you have seen, plumbing, while appearing intimidating, is not all that complicated. There are just many basics to learn. Just focus and start somewhere, this is all it takes, when you do your research apply common sense into the mix and you should have no problem tackling an easy job.