If you are a homeowner and you have water issues, it can be a very daunting task. A plumbing problem is one of the worst things that can happen to a home. Plumbing education and preparation makes homeowners more prepared to deal with them.
Never pay a plumber until the job is complete. It is customary to put down one-third to one-half of the total cost before the work is started, but do not pay in full until it is complete. It is vital that you check your plumber has done all the work he promised before you have over the full payment. This will protect you against being scammed by fraudulent tradesmen.
Garbage Disposal
Never try to fix a garbage disposal by putting your hand down into it. Even when in the off position, garbage disposals are dangerous. Locate your garbage disposal manual, or do an Internet search for troubleshooting advice and a diagram that illustrates your model.
You should make sure not to put oils down the drain, such as grease and fat. This is a certain way to either slow your drainage or clog your drain entirely. Your garbage disposal is particularly vulnerable to this issue, as the fat solids will slow the motion of the blades. This results in the disposal operating less efficiently. You should dispose of all oils outside of the sink.
Think about what plumbing work you need, then schedule them all at once. It can be tempting to call a plumber each time you have a minor problem, but saving plumbing work for one time allows you to put money aside for the repairs. You’ll save a ton of money by not having to pay a professional to come out multiple times, instead only paying them to show up once to handle different problems all at once.
Overflow Holes
Ensure that your sink’s overflow holes are clear. You may not even notice the overflow holes on your sink, but if you have a major water leak you will soon regret your apathy. Clean overflow holes as part of your annual maintenance, and any other time you are handling general plumbing repairs.
You should always put plenty of cold water through your garbage disposal while it is running. Cold water helps to maintain the sharpness of the blades and makes the disposal run more smoothly. If you use hot water it will liquefy the grease, allowing it to accumulate in your drain causing your pipes to clog.
Don’t turn on your sink while using your garbage disposal. Water does nothing to make the garbage disposal work more efficiently, even though many people seem to think that it makes the process smoother. Actually, the water can make the garbage stick to the disposal, which can lead to more damage.
Stay away from drain cleaners! Their chemicals are extremely corrosive, and they may damage your pipes if used too often. When you have a plumbing blockage, consider calling out a professional to determine what the source of the problem is.
Inspect your toilet regularly to ensure that it isn’t leaking. Put food coloring in your toilet tank to test the toilet for leaks. Look at its bowl, then if you spot any colored water within just a few seconds, there’s an issue that must be dealt with soon.
Seeing sewage back up through your toilet means that you probably have a blockage somewhere in your branch line which connects the sewage line and the main line. You can run a device through this called a snake to try to clean up the clog. Or you can also purchase some specific drain cleaner and hope that works. If not, you’ll have to call in the professionals.
Water valves that are rarely ever used often become fused together. Maintain them with penetrating oil, and rotate them every so often so they don’t stick.
Check with the Department of Consumer Affairs when shopping for a good plumbing contractor. It is important to verify that they have a valid license and to check on any complaints that may have been made against them. Do not hire a plumber with a license that is not in good standing.
You need to always be aware of the location of the primary water cut-off valve on your piece of property. The water meter for your property should be close to it. Individual fixtures, such as sinks and toilets, may also have shut-off valves just for that fixture. Make sure the entire family is familiar with these valves, and mark the shut-off position for ease of use.
Many important skills are involved in becoming a great plumber. A plumber must be familiar with all the water lines in a house so that repairs can be quick and effective when they are necessary.
Carefully choose drain cleaners. Avoid those that have chemicals that are damaging to pipes. Choose a product advertised as being gentle on pipes. A plumbing system needs certain bacteria to stay clean, and some chemicals could be harmful to these bacteria or to you.
When you want to unclog a drain, it’s better not to use chemical drain openers. Even though these products may help to open up your drain, the chemicals in them can cause damage to your body, especially if they get on your skin. If you decide to use them, protect your arms and hands so they are not exposed to these chemicals.
As it is with anything, good preparation and education are keys to avoiding problems, and this holds true with plumbing as well. The savvy homeowner who takes the time to learn even a little about plumbing is better able to make good decisions while avoiding plumbing situations that could become dangerous. Also, those who are educated on plumbing can fix issues easier.