TIP! Your plumbing experience can go a lot smoother when you know your tools, as well as how to handle them properly. Make sure you read all the directions and manuals, while also taking advantage of online resources and the library to help you with your projects.

There are so many things to consider when it comes to doing your own plumbing that it can often be hard to figure out where to start. These tips will give you the information you need to be a better plumber!

TIP! Check carefully around the base of your toilet for any damage caused by leaks. Put a foot on each side of the toilet and put weight on each side, if you have any give you may have damage.

Pump out your septic tank at least every five years to keep it in proper working condition. Septic systems can back up when the septic tank builds up sediment. This can even result in the septic system failing altogether. It may be a bit expensive to pump a septic tank, but it will be very expensive to clean up an emergency sewage problem.

TIP! Position a strainer over all drains to collect any particles that would otherwise go down the drain and possibly cause a stoppage. Clean your kitchen strainer often, particularly if you can see debris accumulating.

If your toilet happens to be clogged, and the plunger is not working, you can pour a bucket of hot water down the toilet, but be sure to pour it from a height that is waist level or above so you do not flood the bathroom. Once the water level is low again, you may repeated this procedure.

TIP! Don’t pour oils, grease or fat down the drain. Oils will eventually harden and clog up your drain.

If your garbage disposal is not working correctly, you should not try to fix it by putting your hand in through the drain. Even if the disposal is turned off, it can still be hazardous. Go online and search for sketch of your disposal, or a troubleshooter.

TIP! If you want your garbage disposal to have the same lifespan as your total home, clean it regularly. You can run lemon rinds and dish soap through your disposal to help keep it smelling fresh and operating in an efficient manner.

Place a strainer over the drains to collect anything that could clog and cause stoppage. Your kitchen sink strainer needs cleaning every time something big gets stuck in it. Keep the bathroom drains cleaned out too.

TIP! Don’t skimp on quality when it comes to replacing a shower head. Some people think that one shower head is like any other, so decide on price alone.

Do not pour grease or other oils in your sink or down your drain. This is a certain way to either slow your drainage or clog your drain entirely. As an owner of a garbage disposal, this is important because the blades will stop working if they have fat on them. You should dispose of all oils outside of the sink.

TIP! Prevention is vital for avoiding costly repairs to your plumbing. Clogs are a big problem with plumbing, and they are quite common.

Don’t treat your toilet like a garbage can if you want to avoid a lot of potential plumbing problems. Don’t put disposable sanitary objects down the toilet. The sewage system cannot deal with these items and will become clogged. Additionally, use the minimum amount of toilet paper required to clean up after you are done.

TIP! Do not expect to clean grout out of a line by yourself. The grout can be broken up however it is not an easy task to do by yourself.

If you are using a slower head, see to it that you replace it with one that has good quality. Avoid the temptation to purchase an inferior quality head for your shower. The problem with this is that they are not very sturdy and can break much easier.

TIP! Stop cleaning a persistent clog with harsh drain cleaners. They have chemicals in them that are corrosive and can harm your pipes if they are poured down them frequently.

Frozen pipes can cause a lot of damage and cost you money. However, this problem can be prevented. The first thing you should do is ensure your outside pipes are thoroughly wrapped or insulated. Also, when it starts to get colder, drain and disconnect your hoses and turn off the outside faucet. Be proactive about this and save on future repair bills.

Garbage Disposal

TIP! Ensure the toilet is free of any leaks. Put food coloring in your toilet tank to test the toilet for leaks.

Don’t bother running water when you use your garbage disposal. Most plumbers advise that you run water when using your garbage disposal, although many disagree. It can even cause what you put down the disposal to stick, causing damage to the unit.

TIP! Consult your Department of Consumer Affair if you’re looking to hire a plumbing contractor. You can verify that their required licensing is current, and see if anyone has filed any complaints.

Sometimes you have no choice in what plumber you have scheduled, but you can still research them online. Your insurance provider may contract with a specific plumber; if you are knowledgeable about the company’s past jobs and client reviews, you will be more prepared.

TIP! Although plumbing mostly has to do with water, you still need many other skills to become a good plumber. A common task for a plumber is repairing water lines.

It is important to check the background of any plumbers you are looking at hiring, and get referrals if possible. Some plumbers are not trained to take on certain tasks, and can end up making your problem much worse. Search for reviews of plumbers, or ask friends or family members to recommend a competent plumber.

TIP! A lot of people don’t have a clue about plumbing, and will pay a plumber whatever he charges. If you own a home, you need to at least be able to understand what a plumber is doing when he makes repairs.

Temperatures are dropping, so check your outside faucets for dripping in order to prevent a freezing nightmare. If there are drips or leaks, then the repairs need to be make prior to any freezing temperatures. Both plastic and metal pipes are susceptible to bursting when they freeze. Cracked pipes can lead to extensive water damage to your home, resulting in very costly repairs.

TIP! If you see a pipe coming out of the drainage pipe when putting in your new water heater, reconnect it before you finish the job. This pipe, the recirculation pipe, helps keep your water heated without wasting water.

Everyone in your family should know exactly where your home’s main water shut off valve is and how to use it. You should be able to find the water meter close by or directly on it. Some plumbing fixtures, such as sinks and toilets, may have individual shut-off valves. Add marks to the valves so everyone in your household knows what direction to turn the valves in case they need to cut them off in case the need should arise.

TIP! Do not unclog your drains with a chemical drain cleaner. 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.

Get a hot water tank that is adapted to your needs to improve your water heater efficiency. Having an idea as to how much water is being used by each appliance and people in your home will let you decide on the best size for your hot water tank.

TIP! If there are signs of water leaking inside your walls, you must turn off the water supply immediately and contact a plumber. There could be something terribly wrong with your pipes.

Don’t pour chemicals down your drain to unclog it, even if the product is labeled as a drain opener. No matter how effective they are at unclogging drains, the contents of such products can be very dangerous, especially if your skin is inadvertently exposed to them. If you decide to use them, protect your arms and hands so they are not exposed to these chemicals.

TIP! Sticky substances like bananas, chicken skin and pumpkin pulp can clog your drain even if they go through the blades. Throw out hard-to-grind things in a garbage can first, and then place the rest of the food in the disposal.

Plumbing doesn’t have to be complicated, especially if you know what you’re doing. You will just need to take care of your basics prior to starting. All you need to begin is a bit of knowledge, work, and some common sense to seek the most helpful and effectual ways to complete the job.

Garbage Disposal

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