After you move into a new house, you’ll likely see some sort of plumbing problem arise. Most plumbing problems are found in the kitchen and bathroom. Every homeowner will have to deal with a plumbing problem of some kind. Below are some great tips so you can be ready when it happens to you.
You don’t want to end up with frozen pipes, so take preventive action, such as wrapping outside pipes with insulation, and keeping indoor temperatures above freezing at all times. If the temperature surrounding the pipes is anywhere below freezing, this can cause the pipes to freeze. If they do freeze, you are looking at some time before they can thaw out, thus you will have to wait for running water. But, they could also burst, causing a mess and a large repair bill.
Septic Tank
If you want to maintain effective functionality in your spetic tank, pumping it out twice a decade is a really good idea. This keeps the tank from developing a buildup of sediment, thereby preventing the septic system from backing up or failing altogether as a result. While you may find it costly to get your septic tank cleaned out, the cost is much higher to have sewage and backups cleaned up and your septic tank repaired or replaced.
Only pay pay the plumber once the job is done. A plumber might ask you for part of the money before starting the job but you should never pay more than half. You should know the plumber did his job before you pay him.
Keep the drains in your bathtub working properly by pouring a cup’s worth of baking soda and than a cup’s worth of vinegar directly down your drain every month. Put a rag over the drain afterward, though, to keep the chemicals from coming back up after the reaction. Pause a few minutes, and then follow the mixture with boiling water. Your pipes will soon be clear of accumulated hair and soap scum.
If you have unwanted water that drains in your dishwasher, it’s probably due to the kitchen sink’s hose being improperly installed. You must have the hose going uphill and then down to get rid of the water in the dishwater.
When replacing your shower head, spend the money on a high-quality model. Some people think it’s alright to get the cheapest head for your shower in the store. However, they are inexpensive for a reason, this being that they are cheaply made and tend to break a lot easier.
Enzyme Based
If you want to try a pipe cleaner because your pipes are obstructed, it is recommended you use a cleaner 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. Enzyme cleaners are preferred by many to clear clogged drains.
Stay away from drain cleaners if possible. The chemicals that these cleaners are made up of are corrosive, and will damage the pipes in your house if you overuse them. Call a professional if you notice your drain is still clogged up.
If you need a plumber, check out their reviews before hiring. Make sure the plumber is qualified to handle the job or more problems may occur. Always look into a plumber’s reviews or talk to people you trust, such as family and friends.
Realize that branch lines can get blocked and cause sewage backups that affect main lines. 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.
Be sure to check that your faucets on the outside of your home are free of leaks as winter approaches. You will have to fix this potential problem before freezing temperatures come. 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 will let enough water out to cause some serious damage.
Infrequently used valves can stiffen with age and become inoperable. Maintain the water valves every so often with a qualtiy penetrating oil, turning each of them every now and then to prevent them from sticking.
Take advantage of the information that you can obtain from the department or division of your state government that handles consumer affairs and protection when you are thinking of hiring a plumbing contractor. By doing this you can see if they have any problems with their license and heck on reviews about the quality of their work. Only hire contractors with a current, active license. It is a very bad idea to get involved with any contractor that does not maintain a current license.
Pick the drain cleaner you use carefully. Some drain cleaners have strong chemicals that can damage the pipes. Read the label, and choose one that says it is safe for your plumbing. Your pipes depend on certain bacteria. If you kill off the bacteria with chemicals, your system will not run properly.
Being caught completely unprepared for plumbing dramas is the last thing you should do. You should educate yourself with repair advice so that you’re able to handle simple plumbing issues. If you encounter a plumbing issue at some point, the tips provided here will assist you in handling it.