Everyone has questions about plumbing at some point in time. If a problem arises, many want to fix it themselves, so it’s a good idea to learn maintenance tips. This article will help you do this, so you will be ready to fix any plumbing problem that crops up.
To keep your septic tank in good working order, it is advisable to have it pumped out every five years. Having it cleaned out prevents the sediment from accumulating in the septic tank and creating a sewage backup in your house or triggering the meltdown of the entire septic system. Although having a septic tank pumped costs money, cleaning up sewage backup in your home will ultimately cost much more.
Knowing which tools to use and how to operate them is essential to any aspiring plumber. Read each and every manual, and utilize the information that can be found in libraries and the Internet about do-it-yourself projects. When planning on repairs, plan on having a plan.
If your toilet is clogged, the water level in the toilet is low, and a plunger is not doing the trick, you may be able to resolve the problem by pouring a bucket of warm water into the toilet from waist level or higher. Repeat this procedure if necessary as the water returns back to a lower level.
If you have a well at your home and notice pink or orange stains around the drains of your tub or sink, this is most likely caused by an excess of iron in your water. A water softener is the easiest way to solve hard water problems relating to rust, but you can also consult a plumber if you are unsure.
To maintain your garbage disposal and avoid malfunction, you should regularly clean it. You can prevent annoying odors and promote smooth operation by setting up a regular cleaning routine with lemon rinds, dish soap, and even cherry pits.
Pour baking soda and vinegar down your bathtub drain every month. Use a plug or rag to cover the drain, because there will be a chemical reaction in the pipes. Let that sit for a while, and then run boiling hot water down it. By following this tip, you should be able to clear all the soap scum, hair, and other grime out of your pipes.
Overflow Holes
Ensure that the overflow holes in your sinks are not clogged. The overflow holes help prevent a sink from spilling. When blocked, they don’t work properly and the water can spill out onto the floor. Clear out your sink’s overflow holes every so often, while checking for any other problems or necessary repairs.
If there is unwanted water draining into the dishwasher, it is most likely because of the hose to the kitchen sink being installed improperly. The hose at the kitchen sink going to the dishwasher should follow a specific uphill, then downhill pattern. This prevents unwanted mixing of water between the sink and dishwasher.
One plumbing repair that costs a lot of money is frozen pipes. Fortunately, it’s usually an avoidable problem. Pipes in crawlspaces or outside your home should be thoroughly insulated. Secondly, when the temperature begins to drop, you want to drain and disconnect the hoses, then make sure you turn the outside faucet off. Doing so can prevent some nasty repair bills a professional plumber would charge you.
Most people run water in their sink when using their garbage disposal. A common misconception is that if you flow water into the disposal while you’re putting solid items down there, the process will be smoother, but that just isn’t true. The truth is that water could make garbage stick to the disposal, which might create a problem later.
Check to see if you have toilet leaks. To check, squeeze a few food coloring drops in the toilet tank. Watch your toilet bowl closely, and if you notice colored water in a manner of seconds, you definitely have a leak that will need to be fixed.
As winter approaches, be sure that your external faucets are not dripping and leaking. If water is continually dripping, you need to make some repairs on your own before the temperature drops below freezing. Frozen water puts a lot of pressure on pipes and makes them crack, regardless of the material. Even a small crack will let enough water out to cause some serious damage.
Valves that are not used often can get fused together. Be sure to give them a shot of penetrating oil and a turn from time-to-time to make sure they don’t freeze up.
You should be aware of the location of the main valve for water cut-off on your property. The water meter should be located in its vicinity. Toilets, sinks and other fixtures should also have cut-off valves. Give all family members information about where these valves are located, and show them how to shut them off should an emergency occur.
Do not buy a strong chemical drain cleaner if you want to get rod of a clog. 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. And if you must use a chemical cleaner, make sure you always protect your skin by wearing gloves and a proper long-sleeved shirt.
You must know what to do in the face of an emergency before it ever happens. Also, doing a little routine maintenance can help to prevent problems from coming up in the first place. Use this advice for any future plumbing needs.