TIP! Have a professional flush your septic tank every five years or so to keep it working well. This will keep sediment from hanging out in your tank and eventually causing there to be a backup in your home.

Plumbing is a crucial aspect of any home’s functioning. There may be times, though, when your plumbing system needs work and you can’t afford to call a professional, or you don’t have time to sit at home and wait for one. This article can be a great database of knowledge for helping you maintain and fix your own plumbing.

TIP! While various toilet tablets and odor removers may be tempting, it’s best not to use them in your toilet. While they are good at removing odors, they have a detrimental effect on the parts of the toilet that are rubber.

Do not pay your plumber until they finish the job. 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. You want to know the plumber has fulfilled all his requirements as promised in the agreement before he gets paid.

Garbage Disposal

TIP! Water from wells can cause orange or rust colored stains in places like bathtubs and sinks. This comes from large amounts of iron present in the water.

If your garbage disposal stops working, never try to fix it by reaching down with your hands. Even an un-powered garbage disposal presents significant danger. Try to find a diagram, or troubleshooting guide for your particular disposal on the Internet.

TIP! Have all the plumbing repairs done in one visit. You might be tempted to have a plumber come out for every little thing that happens, but kicking the can on some issues until you have a list means you can save a few bucks.

Clean your garbage disposal regularly to prolong the life of your disposal. By incorporating a regular cleaning routine, your garbage disposal can stay running smoothly. One way to clean your disposal is to run dish detergent and lemon rinds through your garbage disposal. As an added benefit, this technique will also eliminate any scents from your disposal.

TIP! You should always put plenty of cold water through your garbage disposal while it is running. When cold water hits the garbage disposal, it sharpens the blades.

Have all your plumbing needs scheduled all at once. This allows you to save up for necessary parts and equipment while saving money on hiring a professional. Because most plumbers charge labor by the hour on top of a flat call rate, you can significantly reduce your bill by reducing the trips they make to your home.

TIP! You can save a lot of money in your energy bills by putting in efficient shower heads. Most of our hot water is used in the shower.

You can pour baking soda down a drain followed by some vinegar if you want to keep drains clear. This should be done once a month, and a cup each of baking soda and vinegar should be used. Cover it with a plug or rag, since a chemical reaction should happen in the pipes. After about 10 minutes you can flush the pipes out with boiling water. Although this is useful for clearing away simple clogs made of hair and soap debris, it will not work for serious blockages.

Overflow Holes

TIP! Cleaning the aerator will fix low water pressure issues that are caused from sediment buildup. Remove the aerator, and then take it apart so it can be cleaned with a brush that has been dipped in vinegar.

Check your fixtures to ensure the overflow holes are clear of debris and mineral build-up. Sinks use overflow holes if they start to overfill, and this isn’t usually a problem, but it can be. Clean overflow holes as part of your annual maintenance, and any other time you are handling general plumbing repairs.

TIP! Don’t run the water when the garbage disposal is used. People are misguided in thinking that it will work better with the water running, but it is actually of no help.

Dishwashers that have too much water running into them could have a hose 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.

TIP! Stay away from drain cleaners if possible. The chemicals in these type of cleaners are corrosive, and they could damage your pipes by using them too much.

If you are using a slower head, see to it that you replace it with one that has good quality. Many times, people think it is okay to buy the cheapest shower head that they can find. Cheap shower heads are not well-made and are very likely to break. Buying a cheap shower head will end up costing you more money over the long-term.

TIP! If you have sewage backing up into your toilet, this is due to a blockage in the branch line connecting the main line and sewage line. If you have tried and cannot remove the blockage, you will need a plumber to come to your home and run the plumbing snake down into the toilet to clear the blockage.

Use enzyme based cleaners when cleaning clogged pipes. These are cleaners that work by using natural bacteria to eat away at your clog, and turn it into a liquid that is then flushed from your pipes. The cleaners that have enzymes are the best you can buy.

TIP! You should contact your local Consumer Affairs Department before you hire any plumber. By doing this you can see if they have any problems with their license and heck on reviews about the quality of their work.

Clean out your dryer’s lint filter. This can prevent a lot of problems, including a fire. Be sure you inspect your lint trap for tears or holes that could mean lint is going into your pipes, which can cause clogs and issues.

TIP! Choose which drain cleaners you use with care. Avoid those that have chemicals that are damaging to pipes.

It is always a good idea to do your research before hiring a plumber to come and do work in your home. Some of the plumbers out there can not do every job, and they may end up causing you more problems than you started with. Check the reviews on any plumber you are considering, and ask friends and family for the name of a plumber that they use and trust.

TIP! If you notice that water is dripping behind your walls, you must turn off the water main and telephone a plumber. This is an indication that there is serious problem with your plumbing.

Infrequently used valves can stiffen with age and become inoperable. Periodically turn these valves off and one. Use specially designed oils that can work their way through the buildup to keep them loosened up and operable.

TIP! If you want to go green try purchasing a water heater that is tankless. They don’t store water, and heat water only on an as needed basis.

It’s common for people to have bad dreams about plumbing, as they fear one little mistake could be enough to severely damage their home. This is easily avoided if you only know one thing. You can save your home from any water damage by learning where your water register is, and how to quickly shut it off.

TIP! Turn off the water at the valve if you notice water leaking from your heater. If you dawdle, the leak could become worse and it will be difficult to prevent major damage from occurring.

If you can see water dripping in or near your walls, shut off the water and call a professional right away. The dripping water indicates that there could be a major problem with the plumbing in your walls. One result could be the growth of mildew and mold. A large leak could result in your house actually flooding.

Brass Fixtures

TIP! Worn out and malfunctioning plumbing should be repaired or replaced. You can fix leaks and holes with products like foam, but these repairs don’t last that long.

If you are upgrading your old plumbing fixtures, strongly consider getting brass fixtures. To start, brass fixtures are more durable and lasts for a longer period of time. Brass fixtures look a lot nicer than many of the other types of plumbing fixtures that you can purchase. These fixtures are sold in most hardware and home improvement stores.

TIP! Always use non-abrasive cleaning soaps like dish or laundry versions on sinks as well as bathtubs that are made with fiberglass. These products do not damage pipes and are not filled with the harmful chemicals you can find in drain cleaners.

There are many methods that you can learn to fix plumbing. Learning to apply these tips on your own can actually save you a lot of money, and help you in an emergency.

Garbage Disposal

Overflow Holes

Brass Fixtures

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