Everyone has plumbing issues, here and there. Everyone should want to understand how to correct minor problems and how to do their own maintenance. Read this article to give you the basic knowledge to allow you to fix any problem you face and keep your plumbing system in tip-top shape!
Noisy pipes that make squeaking or hammering sounds are an easy problem to fix. Exposed pipes will have to be anchored. You might have to call a professional to help finish the project if pipes are in floors, ceiling or walls.
Knowing your tools and how to use them can help greatly in your plumbing experience. You should read the manual with any new tool you purchase. If you don’t have the manual, look online or at your local library for more information. You should do the same amount of research on the steps required for your project. Be sure to plan before starting a repair, because it can be expensive to fix mistakes.
Every so often, inspect the floor around your toilet and see if it has gone soft. Sit on your toilet and sway across both feet to feel if there are any spots less firm than the others. Early detection of the problem may save you a great deal of money over time.
Keep a strainer over every drain in your house to prevent stray debris from clogging your pipes. Clean your kitchen strainer often, particularly if you can see debris accumulating. Bathtubs should be equipped with strainers as well, and they too will need to be cleaned regularly.
Make sure that you’re always cleaning your garbage disposal regularly. Doing this will save you from having to repair or replace an expensive piece of equipment in the future. By having a regular cleaning routine, which includes a combination of lemon rinds, dish soap and even pits from a cherry, your disposal can be kept smelling fresh and running smoothly for many years to come.
Whenever you have plumbing work that needs to be done, you should schedule all problems at one time. Rather than calling a plumber every time there is a minor problem, taking care of everything at once allows you to save money for additional repairs down the road. It also saves you money because a lot of plumbers charge by the hour–they cannot charge for multiple hours every trip if they only make one trip out.
Overflow Holes
Be sure that the overflow holes don’t clog up. The overflow holes help prevent a sink from spilling. When blocked, they don’t work properly and the water can spill out onto the floor. The overflow holes should be cleaned out regularly; do this when you are making your regular checks for other issues that necessitate fixing.
Use lots of cold water when you run your garbage disposal. The blades will stay sharper, and the overall disposal process will run smoother. When you use hot water, any grease that is in the garbage will melt and be more prone to stopping up your drain.
Shower Heads
You can drastically reduce your utility bills with the installation of shower heads designed for better efficiency. Showers and baths are responsible for the bulk of your hot water usage. You can save up to a few hundred dollars a year by simply installing shower heads that are energy efficient.
Remember that your toilet is not intended to be used to dispose of trash. Don’t flush anything that is unlikely to dissolve and wind up clogging pipes, such as diapers, tissues, paper towels and cotton balls. Also, try to use the smallest amount of toilet paper you can.
Enzyme-based products are often superior to other options when your drains are clogged. This type of cleaner uses natural bacteria to transform sludge into liquid, that makes it disappear from the pipes. Enzyme cleaners should be your first choice.
Frozen pipes can cost you a significant amount to repair. Fortunately, you can generally prevent your pipes from freezing. The first step is to check your outside pipes and ensure they are well insulated. When the temperature dips, you should also make sure your garden hoses are disconnected and that your exterior faucet is shut off. This can save some serious money on pipe repairs over time.
If there’s grout stuck inside your line, it’s most likely will be a losing cause if you try to fix it all by yourself. You could try to break up all the grout to send it down further. Plastic pipes would have better results than metal. However, you are likely going to have to call in a professional plumber to take care of this problem.
Always learn about the options before you actually begin working on home or public plumbing system. Regular maintenance can also prevent small plumbing issues from becoming serious emergencies. Take the tips you’ve read here and implement them into your plumbing strategy, preparing you to keep your plumbing in great shape and deal with any problems as they arise.