A common myth is that tackling plumbing issues yourself is impossible. With the right preparation, self-education, and advice, though, the difficulty of doing your own plumbing can be minimized. Read this article to learn how to fix basic things.
Make sure there is a strainer covering all drains in order to collect particles that would cause a clog if they went down the drain. Kitchen sink strainers should be cleaned every time they collect large food particles. Kitchen filters should be changed often, while bathtub filters can be changed as needed.
If your house uses well water and there are orange or pink stains in tubs or sinks, it’s because of the iron level in the water. You can combat this by using a water softener. You can either purchase it at a store, or hire a company to come to your house to set it up for you.
To make sure your garbage disposal last a long time, clean it regularly. By utilizing a routine on a regular basis, using the combination of lemon rinds, cherry pits, and dish soap, you can maintain a disposal that runs great and smells like new.
Try to have all your plumbing repairs done at once. You may be tempted to call a professional plumber if you have any minor issues, but saving your plumbing issues for one time can let you put that money back into repairs. It also costs less because most plumbers will charge you per hour and include a minimum rate for coming out. If you call them out multiple times, those charges for them coming out will add up quickly.
Baking Soda
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 the drain with an old rag, because there will be a chemical reaction taking place inside the pipes. Wait for a little while, and then pour boiling water down the drain. Doing this will help rid your pipes of disgusting soap scum and blockages.
Install water-saving shower heads to reduce your energy costs. You use the majority of your hot water in the shower. When you install an energy-efficient shower head, you will reduce your home’s water consumption, which means money left in your pocket.
When replacing your shower head, spend the money on a high-quality model. 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.
Drain Cleaners
Avoid using drain cleaners as much as possible. Drain cleaners contain very corrosive chemicals that can damage pipes if used too frequently. If your drain frequently blocks, then call a professional to see what the real problem is, and get it solved once and for all.
The valves will fuse together if they are not used. 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.
It is essential that you know where your main cut-off valve is for your water supply on your property. Look closely for the water meter and it should be nearby. Fixtures, such as sinks or toilets, may also be equipped with individual cut-off valves. To prepare for an emergency, make sure that everyone in your family is familiar with the location of the valves. It also helps to mark the valves with arrows indicating the direction in which they should be turned to shut them off or turn them on.
Most people don’t know much about plumbing, so they pay ghastly prices for plumbing services. If you own your own home, it’s important that you take the time to learn the basics of plumbing, enough to ensure that you know what a plumber will be doing. This is wise to keep you from being overcharged, or having unnecessary repairs done.
When installing your new water heater, make sure you reconnect the pipe that is extending from your drainage. This is probably what is called a recirculation pipe. This keeps the water in your home heated while reducing the amount of water wasted.
Do not use a chemical drain opener when you are attempting to unclog your drains. These chemicals can open your drain but they also may hurt you if you get them on your skin. If you plan on using chemicals, then wear adequate protection such as long sleeved shirts and gloves.
If you notice that water has saturated your walls, reach for the shutoff valve and notify a plumber right away. This may mean you have serious plumbing problems. The possible consequences, including floods, mold, and mildew, are all dire.
For the conservation-minded consumer, it might be wise to purchase a tankless water heater. They don’t need to hold water in a reserve, instead they heat it as it passes through on an as-needed basis. This will save you a significant amount of money that would have been wasted heating up water that you aren’t using.
Plumbers earn a very good wage, so hiring an apprentice can be a great idea. This will not just give you an inexpensive helping hand, it will also allow you to show an interested person the ins and outs of plumbing.
Your garbage disposal blades do not like foodstuffs such as bananas, carrots, pumpkin and even chicken skin because these will snag and start clogs. Throw these kinds of foods away rather than risking ruining your disposal.
As was discussed at the beginning of the article, while plumbing can be an extremely difficult chore for anyone to complete, it becomes significantly easier if you have the right advice and information. Use the advice from this article, and you’ll be on your way to doing your own plumbing.