It is common for all of us to have plumbing concerns and questions. Knowing how to take care of your system and fixing minor issues can save you a lot of money. Read on to learn the answers to these questions so that you can handle plumbing problems yourself.
Noisy pipes are actually a lot easier to fix than you would imagine. If pipes are exposed, you must anchor them. You may need to hire a professional to help with any projects involving pipes that are hidden in the floors, ceiling or walls.
Septic Tank
Pump out your septic tank at least every five years to keep it in proper working condition. This keeps the sediment from building in the tank, which can cause septic tank failure or backup into your house. It may be a bit expensive to pump a septic tank, but it will be very expensive to clean up an emergency sewage problem.
Learning the basics is important with plumbing problems, including how to use the common plumbing tools. Read the instructions, which many people overlook, and check out the internet which has many resources to help with plumbing issues. Plan thoroughly before attempting a repair. Mistakes can be very expensive to fix.
Avoid bleach tablets, blue toilet deodorizers or the other odor removers inside your toilet. They can clean the bowl and remove odors, but they also damage the soft plastic and rubber parts in and around your toilet.
If your toilet gets clogged, there is a low level of water in toilet, and the plunger is not working, you may fix the problem by dumping warm water from a bucket into your toilet from about waist level. Once the water is lower, do this again.
Sifting drainers are available for any size drain to prevent items larger than a grain of sand going into your pipes. Clean your kitchen strainer often, particularly if you can see debris accumulating. The ones in your bathtub should also be cleaned frequently, as needed.
However, if you mix a cup of vinegar and a cup of baking soda and send them down your tub’s drain each month, the flow will keep going smoothly. Cover with a rag or plug, as a chemical reaction will occur in the pipes. After a few minutes,just flush the drain out with water that has reached a boiling point. This procedure should clear the pipes of soap scum and accumulated hair.
Shower Heads
Save money by getting better shower heads. Most of our hot water is used in the shower. By installing energy-efficient shower heads for a few extra dollars, you can save up to $100 or more a year per shower head in your house.
Remember that your toilet is not intended to be used to dispose of trash. Don’t put disposable sanitary objects down the toilet. The sewage system cannot deal with these items and will become clogged. Use the least amount of toilet paper you can when you use the toilet, too.
Superior quality is important when it comes to shower fixtures. Many times, people think it is okay to buy the cheapest shower head that they can find. However, cheap parts don’t work as well and break down more quickly.
Enzyme Based
If you need to buy a pipe cleaner to unclog your pipes, it is best to find one that is enzyme based. Enzyme based cleaners work by using natural bacteria that turns the sludge clogged in your pipes into a liquid, allowing it to flow down the drain with ease. The cleaners that have enzymes are the best you can buy.
Prepare for the cold winter months by checking that your outdoor faucets are not dripping or leaking. If there are problems, you must make the needed fixes prior to the arrival of freezing temperatures. Regardless of whether you have steel, plastic or copper pipes, the water in them expands when it freezes and will make the pipes crack. Even a small crack is capable of releasing enough water to damage or flood your home.
Main water cut off valve is a very important piece of information you should be aware of, and you should know exactly where it is. You will see the water meter near it or on it. Toilets and sinks might have a cut-off valve of their own. Everyone in your household should know where cut-off valves are located and how to turn them off in the event of an emergency.
Plumbing can be a nightmare, because it can cause a lot of damage to a home. If you know just this one tip you’ll find that you’ll never have these nightmares again. To keep your home safe from water damage, you should know where the house’s water main valve is located, and how to quickly turn it off.
Be very careful when you are selecting drain cleaners. Some of the chemicals used in these products can damage pipes. To prevent this, look for a product that promises not to damage your pipes. Most are quite caustic, and some can be harmful if you have a septic system.
If you are putting in a water heater make sure that the pipe that is connected to the drainage pipe is reconnected. This could be a recirculation pipe. This kind of pipe helps keep your water hot without wasting any of it.
If the drain on your washer overflows, use a pipe snake to try to clear the clog. The pipe may be clogged up due to lint.
Avoid using drain openers that contain chemicals while attempting to unclog the drain. Although these types of products could assist you in opening up the drain, the chemicals that are present in them can harm your body. This is particularly true if they somehow touch your skin. If you insist on using them, wear gloves and long sleeved shirts.
Proper education prior to a problem arising is imperative. Additionally, performing a bit of routine maintenance easily keeps problems from cropping up when you least expect them. Apply the tips provided in the above article, and you’ll be prepared for all plumbing needs you’ll have in the future.