While plumbing is a complex discipline, it can be learned, taught and researched by anyone who is willing to put forth the effort. This article will guide you through some simple tips which can help you to perfect your technique and learn the methods you need to be successful in the future.
To eliminate the possibility of having frozen pipes, maintain a constant temperature in your home above freezing, and be certain to adequately insulate those pipes that are out in the weather. Obviously, frozen pipes occur due to freezing environmental conditions. The best case scenario is that you can heat the pipes and the water will start flowing again. The worst case would be that they burst, creating water damage and a big repair bill.
Septic Tank Pumped
It is a advisable to have a septic tank pumped every five years to keep it in peak condition. Doing this prevents any sediment from getting built up within the tank, which causes a backup in your home or causes your entire septic system to fail. While it may cost a bit to have your septic tank pumped out, it will cost you much more to clean up any sewage backup or to repair or replace your septic tank.
If your garbage disposal stops working, never try to fix it by reaching down with your hands. Garbage disposals can be dangerous, even if they are powered off. Search online for a troubleshooting manual for your disposal.
Check for softness in your floor to determine flood damage. Straddle the toilet and rock from one foot to the other to see if you feel any weakening or “softness” in the floor beneath you. You could save yourself money but noticing that problem sooner, rather than later.
Schedule all the plumbing work at one time. Of course, our natural inclination is to handle problems as they arise, but it helps to get everything done at once. Even if you only have one noticeable problem, you can still get a plumber to inspect other areas. Most plumbers charge an hourly fee that can be minimized if there is only one visit to your home.
A great maintenance routine for bathtub drains is to pour baking soda and vinegar into the drain opening once a month. Cover it with a plug or rag, because a chemical reaction is sure to occur in your pipes. After a few minutes,just flush the drain out with water that has reached a boiling point. Although this is useful for clearing away simple clogs made of hair and soap debris, it will not work for serious blockages.
Overflow Holes
Ensure that the overflow holes in your sinks are not clogged. Overflow holes are one of those things which you forget about until you need them. Clean the overflow holes when you can, like when doing periodic checks for various other repairs and problems.
Putting in shower heads that are energy-efficient can save you a lot of money in energy costs. Most of the hot water we use is in the shower. A single energy efficient shower head can save you $100 a year.
If you notice water draining into your dishwater, check your kitchen sink. The hose might not be installed properly. The hose going from the dishwasher to the sink must go downhill, and then uphill, to prevent water mixing from the two devices.
To lessen the chances of toilet problems, do not use as a place to put trash. Don’t flush paper towels, diapers, cotton balls, tissues or any other materials besides toilet paper. These items don’t dissolve and can cause clogs. Reduce your use of toilet paper if you notice frequent clogs.
Drain Cleaners
Try not to use drain cleaners if you can. There are some harsh, corrosive chemicals found in these drain cleaners. That’s why they work so well to knock out clogs. Over time, they will corrode your pipes. Call a professional if you notice your drain is still clogged up.
Even if you only have one choice, research your plumber before he arrives. If your insurer has just given you the name of a plumber, see if they have a website, read any testimonials and other feedback so you know what to expect once they arrive at your home.
If you have a need for a plumber, check the references of the person or company before hiring them. Some plumbers just don’t know how to handle certain tasks which could make the problem worse. Always look at reviews on plumbers, or ask your family or friends if they know of one.
Valves that are used only infrequently sometimes fuse 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.
When looking to find a good plumbing contractor, don’t forget to check contractors against Department of Consumer Affairs records. You can make sure that their license is up to date and if there are any negative complaints against them. If a plumber does not have a current license and even a limited number of complaints, you probably don’t want them working on your home.
You should be aware of the location of the main valve for water cut-off on your property. You can locate a water meter close to it. Usually toilets, sinks and other fixtures have cut-off valves of their own. Make sure all the members of your family know where the cut-off valves are. In addition, add markings to show how they should be turned off.
Wasn’t quite so nasty, was it? Repairing basic plumbing issues will save you the money that would otherwise be spent on a professional plumber. For many they just need a bit of guidance so they know where to start. Now you can start putting these tips to use on all your household plumbing needs.