When you invest some time and learn how to work on your homes plumbing, it will really show. It demonstrates that you’re concerned about the proper methods of maintaining your plumbing and that you strive to make sure things are maintained on your own. This is something that should be admired. But like with any skill you learn, one can always improve and get better. Here are some smart tips and tricks to hone your plumbing skills.
Noisy pipes that make squeaking or hammering sounds are an easy problem to fix. You will need to anchor any exposed pipes. Call a plumber to help with pipes that require you to cut a hole in a wall, ceiling or floor.
Don’t pay the entire plumbing bill upfront; wait until the plumber finishes the plumbing job. In some cases, you have to make a down payment prior to the first day of work. This is okay to do; however, don’t let your plumber talk you into paying the entire cost of a job before he’s finished, and never pay the whole cost before he’s even begun. You need to know the plumber did what he promised before he is reimbursed for the entire amount.
Try to avoid putting things like fat, oils and grease down the sink drain. They can clog your drains once they cool down. This is especially true if you have a garbage disposal, as the fat will cause the blades to run slower and less efficiently. To keep your kitchen pipes clear, never dispose of grease down your sink drain.
Lint Trap
Make sure to clean your dryer’s lint trap. This can prevent various problems, including a fire. 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.
Clean the aerator to adjust water pressure issues which result from sediment build up. The aerator should be removed and taken apart. Then, clean with a tiny brush swabbed in vinegar. Then all you need to do is rinse and reassemble the aerator before putting it back on the faucet. Once the aerator has been cleared, your water pressure should improve.
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 can try dislodging some of the blockage which will open up the line. This works better when you have plastic pipes as opposed to metal ones. This is a tough problem, however, that very often requires professional intervention.
Drain Cleaners
To extend the life of your pipes, try to stay away from drain cleaners if you can. There are some harsh, corrosive chemicals found in these drain cleaners. That’s why they work so well to knock out clogs. Over time, they will corrode your pipes. Instead, if you still see your drain clogged up, you might need a professional plumber to come take a look and fix the problem.
If you have to take out the clean out plug and cannot do it, you can do it this two ways. A hammer and chisel can be used to slacken the fitting. If that fails, you will have to cut completely through the plug.
There’s probably a block in the connector that goes between the sewage line and main line if there is sewage backing up in your toilet. If you cannot take care of this blockage, a professional will have to come out and run a snake through the line in order to clear it.
Make it a habit to run your rarely used valves on a regular basis to avoid plumbing problems. Maintain them with penetrating oil, and rotate them every so often so they don’t stick.
A lot of people are scared of plumbing problems because they think they can wreck their homes. However, if you have the right knowledge you can prevent major problems. Knowing the exact location of the water register and how to shut it off is the key to preventing water damage to your home.
Don’t use chemical drain opener to unclog drains. These products are efficient, but extremely harmful. Wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt if you absolutely must use them.
A lot of people try to be plumbers without formal training, so if your profession is in plumbing, consider hiring an apprentice. On top of giving you a cheap labor source, it allows you to pass on your skills to future generations.
Some items, including pumpkin and carrots, can harm the disposal, because they become stuck and clog up the sink. Instead, simply throw these items into the trash can, not into the disposal.
Copper pipes can expand as hot water runs through them. The pipe hangers will no longer be adapted to the size of the pipes. This could result in grinding and damages to the plumbing system. To avoid damaging your pipes, layer the ends of the pipe with tape to ensure that they will stay securely connected to the hanger.
You have the knowledge, tools, and skills to apply all three to the plumbing system. Wonderful! The tips that you have read were designed to help improve your plumbing skills. Remember to always educate yourself, so you can become even better and more knowledgeable. Perhaps you have acquired some go-to plumbing truths.