It is very common after you buy a house for some plumbing problems to start to come up. The kitchen and bathroom are the two primary places that issues occur. Eventually, nearly every homeowner has to face one type of plumbing issue or another. Make note of the following advice in order to prepare yourself for future plumbing problems.
If you discover a pipe has frozen, open a tap on the line to allow the thawing ice to drain. Doing so provides pressure relief, and might spare you the damage of a burst pipe.
It is important that you do not pay a plumber in full, until all of the work is complete and satisfactory. You may need to pay some money in the beginning, though you should not pay the full cost until you can be certain that the job was done correctly. It is vital that you check your plumber has done all the work he promised before you have over the full payment. This will protect you against being scammed by fraudulent tradesmen.
Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal is not working correctly, you should not try to fix it by putting your hand in through the drain. Your garbage disposal is a dangerous device, even when turned off. Go online and search for sketch of your disposal, or a troubleshooter.
The areas of floor around your toilets are particularly susceptible to water damage; here’s how you can check them. Another great way to check is to actually sit on the toilet and move in a rocking motion, going back and forth from right to left to see how much give you feel. You can save money by noticing and treating this problem as early as possible.
Use filters on all drains to prevent debris that might clog the pipes from getting through. Your kitchen sink strainer must be cleaned whenever it catches anything. Bathtubs should be equipped with strainers as well, and they too will need to be cleaned regularly.
Run cold water in your sink when you turn on the garbage disposal. Using cold water not only preserves the sharpness of the blades, but also makes the disposal process itself smoother. If you use hot water, any grease in the disposal will liquefy, causing it to accumulate further down the drain, which could cause clogs.
Installing shower heads that are more effective can save you a lot on your energy head. The shower uses most of the hot water. A single energy efficient shower head can save you $100 a year.
Kitchen Sink
If there is unwanted water draining into the dishwasher, it is most likely because of the hose to the kitchen sink being 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.
When your pipes have clogs and you are thinking of using a pipe cleaner, choose a cleaner that is enzyme based. These cleaners employ helpful bacteria which process the sludge lining your pipes, and turn it to liquid. The enzyme cleaners are the best on the market.
Clean out your dryer’s lint filter. By keeping it clean, you can prevent fires and other problems. Regularly check your dryer’s lint trap to see if it has any tears or holes that could potentially damage your dryer, and clog up your plumbing.
When water pipes freeze, the damage can be extensive and costly. Normally, you will be able to prevent this issue. First, you need to check your outside pipe to make sure it has the proper insulation. When the temperature dips, you should also make sure your garden hoses are disconnected and that your exterior faucet is shut off. You can avoid future plumbing repairs by doing this, and therefore, saving you a lot of money.
Correct low water pressure problems caused by sediment buildup by cleaning the aerator. After removing the aerator, disassemble it, and use a small brush that’s been dipped in vinegar to clean it. Then you can simply rinse off the aerator and reassemble the faucet. That should help raise water pressure, as any aerator obstacles will be gone.
If grout is stick within the line, it is likely useless to try cleaning it on your own. You can try to break it up to send it on down the line. This works best with plastic pipes as opposed to metal. Usually, however, you will need to hire a professional for this issue.
If you are having trouble removing a clean-out plug, there are two ways to do it. You can use a hammer and a chisel to attempt to make the fitting looser. The only other method is to take the chisel and use it right through the plug.
Sometimes you have no choice in what plumber you have scheduled, but you can still research them online. Your insurance company may schedule a plumber for you, but you can still prepare for them by looking at their website and checking out customer reviews and feedback.
As the cold winter weather approaches, make sure that your outside faucets are not leaking or dripping. If there is any leaking or dripping, this needs to be fixed before the temperature falls below freezing. It does not matter if the pipes are made out of steel, copper or plastic, any water pressure from frozen water will cause them to crack. One small crack is all it takes to cause serious water damage to your home.
Plumbing Problem
Homeowners cause themselves a disservice by not having a little plumbing knowledge prior to a plumbing problem. All homeowners should have some basic plumbing tools, they should also be aware of a few plumbing tips. If a plumbing problem arises in your future, the information you read in this article should help you deal with it.