How knowledgeable are you about plumbing? Do you want to know more? What kind of skills do you have? Read on to better your skills, learn some techniques, and become a better plumber.
To keep your pipes from freezing in the winter, insulate all exterior pipes and be sure to keep your interior house temperature above freezing, even if the house is vacant. Your pipes can freeze if temperatures around them fall below freezing. In the very least, you could lose running water inside while waiting for the pipes to unfreeze. In the worst case, the pipes would burst, and you would be stuck with costly repairs and a very messy cleanup procedure.
Septic Tank
Avoid septic tank problems by having your tank pumped out in five year intervals. Doing so avoids sediment build up, so that you don’t have any kind of septic system backup. Although it could cost a good deal of money to pump out your septic tank, it will cost a lot more having to clean sewage backup or having to fix or replace a septic tank.
Don’t use any colored tablets that claim to be cleaners in your toilet. The rubber parts of your system can be damaged by the chemicals contained in these tablets and stop functioning.
Never put fat, grease, or oils into your drain. These substances will clog the drain as they cool and harden. Especially if you operate a garbage disposal, the fat causes blades to be less efficient. Get rid of any fat or oils outside or in the garbage can.
If your home has a well for water and there are pink or orange stains in the sinks and tubs, this could be due to high iron content in your water. A water softener can cure this problem and can be installed by you, or you may opt to have a professional to come and install it for you.
Schedule your plumbing work simultaneously. You might be tempted to contact a plumber every time you face a small problem, but if you have problems repaired all at once, you will have time to save money for the fixes. Also, combining smaller jobs into one larger job lets the plumber finish his work faster and therefore saves you money.
Overflow Holes
Ensure your overflow holes aren’t clogged up. These overflow holes are present in case of a clog or overfilling. It may seem unlikely as a problem now, but the necessity is there. Periodically clear out the overflow holes when doing your other checks for things that may need repaired.
When running your garbage disposal, always use a lot of cold water. Cold water keeps the blades sharpened, giving you optimal performance whenever it is used. If you use hot water, any grease that is in the disposal will turn to liquid, and sit inside of the drain, which can clog your pipes.
Install low flush toilets and energy efficient shower heads and faucets to reduce your utility bills. Energy efficient shower heads can save you money on your energy bill and water bill. Installing the energy-efficient heads, you will be able to save in excess of $100 per year.
Get a good quality replacement shower head. Avoid the temptation to purchase an inferior quality head for your shower. The problem with doing that is the cheaper shower heads are not known to be sturdy, and they tend to break easier.
If you want to try a pipe cleaner because your pipes are obstructed, it is recommended you use a cleaner that is enzyme based. These cleaners employ helpful bacteria which process the sludge lining your pipes, and turn it to liquid. The cleaners which use enzymes are currently rated the best available.
If you have a toilet that is backing up, this can be from a blockage. If you are unable to address this blockage on your own, you may require the services of a professional. The blockage will be cleared by running a snake throughout the line.
If valves are seldom used they may become fused. Apply penetrating oil on a regular basis, and turn it so as to stop it from seizing.
Be aware of the location of the main water shutoff valve on your property. Look closely for the water meter and it should be nearby. Also, locate additional shut off valves for toilets, sinks, washers and any other device that runs off of your water supply. Everyone in your household should know where cut-off valves are located and how to turn them off in the event of an emergency.
Washing Machine
Sometimes you might find that your drainage pipe for the washing machine might overflow. Every now and then, lint and other tiny washing machine items can build within the pipe, which can cause it to back up or clog.
For the conservation-minded consumer, it might be wise to purchase a tankless water heater. They work differently than conventional water heaters because they don’t store water and heat the water only as it is needed. This can save a lot of money on your energy bill because you don’t heat water that isn’t used.
If you are working outside under the sun for a long time, make sure to take frequent breaks in the shade away from direct sunlight to cool down. It can be easy to get caught up in your work and forget to take breaks, but be sure to guard your safety and take breaks often.
Things like carrots, banana, chicken skin and pumpkin are bad for the blades, because they will get caught and clog the drain. Throw these hard-to-grind foods into the trash instead of the disposal.
Has this article helped you to learn more about plumbing? Are you aware of the specific piping in your house? Do you think there has been improvement in your plumbing skills? Do you feel you can now use plumbing diagnostic and repair techniques with your home’s system? Are you aware of exactly how to correctly operate the equipment? You should be able to answer these questions after reading this article.