Everyone has a plumbing question at one time or another. We want to know how we can fix things ourselves and to learn basic maintenance tips. This article will provide you with both so you can be prepared for any plumbing emergency that may arise.
Septic Tank
Have your septic tank cleaned every five years to keep it in prime condition. Deposit and debris build up in your tank can result in major problems. Getting your septic tank drained occasionally may be expensive, but it’s dirt cheap compared to the cost of repairing a damaged septic system or the cleanup cost when raw sewage backs up into your home.
Do not pay your plumber until they finish the job. You may need to make a small down payment before the job has begun, but you never want to pay the entire amount until you are certain the job was completed to your satisfaction. You need to know the plumber did what he promised before he is reimbursed for the entire amount.
If your toilet gets clogged, there is a low level of water in toilet, and the plunger is not working, you may fix the problem by dumping warm water from a bucket into your toilet from about waist level. Once the water level gets low again, repeat the process.
Save Money
Set up a time when all plumbing work will be completed 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 can also save money since most plumbers will charge you by the hour. Coming out just once will cut down on the time it takes, making your bill smaller.
Always have cold water running when you are using your 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 turn into liquid, while causes pipe clogging.
Installing more efficient shower heads can save you tons of money on your energy bill. Most of the hot water used in the home is used while showering. Installing the energy-efficient heads, you will be able to save in excess of $100 per year.
Kitchen Sink
If you notice water draining into your dishwasher, check how the kitchen sink hoses are installed. This hose must lead uphill and downhill to prevent mixing water between the kitchen sink and the dishwasher.
If you have clogged pipes, try cleaning them with an enzyme pipe cleaner. The natural enzymes in these cleaners dissolve the clog, turning it into liquid, freeing it from the pipes. The enzyme cleaners are the best on the market.
Make sure to clean your dryer’s lint trap. This can prevent fires and malfunctions. Be sure to check the trap for tears and rips, because this can cause bigger problems as it may mean that lint is escaping into your pipes.
Fix low water pressure by cleaning out the aerator to clean out sediment buildup. Get rid of the aerator, remove it, and clean it with a brush dipped in some vinegar. Rinse the aerator, reassemble it and reattach it to the faucet. This should remove any obstructions that were in the aerator, thereby improving your water pressure.
There are two ways to remove clean out plugs. The first method you can try is using a chisel with a hammer to get the fitting loose. The only other alternative is to chisel through the plug.
It may be that you cannot control which plumber is sent to your house, though it is possible to read up on their qualifications. Even if your insurer determines your plumber, you should go to their website and read any available consumer reviews to reinforce your faith in their abilities.
The valves that are hardly ever used have their way of somehow fusing together. Apply penetrating oil on a regular basis, and turn it so as to stop it from seizing.
Before hiring a contractor for plumbing or other jobs, make sure you look into their records through the Department of Consumer Affairs. You should verify that they hold a valid licence and look over any bad feedback filed against them. They need to have a valid license, or they should not do any work in homes.
Many people don’t fully understand plumbing, so they pay whatever the plumber asks for. If you own your own home, then you must learn what you need to know what the professional will be doing. By gaining this education, you can protect yourself from getting ripped off by a shady plumber.
If you are putting in a water heater make sure that the pipe that is connected to the drainage pipe is reconnected. It’s probably a recirculation pipe, and that can help your water remain heated without wasting water.
Avoid the chemical drain cleaners if you need to unclog any drains. While these can open it up, their chemicals can harm your body, particularly if they come in contact with your skin. If you must use them, wear long sleeves and gloves.
Being prepared will be of assistance, should a plumbing issue arise. If you keep an eye on your plumbing system regularly, you’ll notice issues before they become major concerns. If you follow these tips, you can be ready to fix anything else that goes wrong with your plumbing.