Plumbing problems pose a headache for the homeowner that is not familiar with plumbing problems. You often have to wait for a plumber to make a house call, and you may end up paying a lot for a repair you could have made on your own. Keep reading to learn how to easily fix common plumbing problems.
To keep your pipes from freezing in the winter, insulate all exterior pipes and be sure to keep your interior house temperature above freezing, even if the house is vacant. Pipes have the potential to freeze if the surrounding temperatures are below the freezing mark. It can take a while for the pipes to thaw, which means you will not be able to run water for quite some time. The worst case would be that they burst, creating water damage and a big repair bill.
Septic Tank
It is a advisable to have a septic tank pumped every five years to keep it in peak condition. This will stop any buildup in your septic tank and prevent any horrible issues. Hiring a professional to pump out your septic tank is costly, but it is far preferable to the damages that could be incurred if the tank becomes backed-up or inoperative.
Knowing about the tools and how you’re supposed to use them may greatly help with your plumbing jobs. Study before any do it yourself project by reading any relevant manuals, going online and even making trips to your local public library. Before attempting any repairs, plan ahead, or you may make a costly mistake.
It’s a bad idea to makes use of toilet tablets composed of bleach or in the color blue, or in fact any one designed to remove odors. These may deodorize, but they can seriously damage the rubber pieces in the toilet, causing poor functionality or even complete breakdown of the fixture.
Give all drains strainers to gather particulate matter that can clog pipes. You should clean your kitchen sink’s strainer every time there is a large particle that’s trapped in it. Bathtubs should be equipped with strainers as well, and they too will need to be cleaned regularly.
If you have a well at your home and notice pink or orange stains around the drains of your tub or sink, this is most likely caused by an excess of iron in your water. You can deal with use by using a water softener, which is something you can get on your own at a local retailer, or by hiring a professional to come out.
To make sure your garbage disposal last a long time, clean it regularly. You can prevent annoying odors and promote smooth operation by setting up a regular cleaning routine with lemon rinds, dish soap, and even cherry pits.
However, if you mix a cup of vinegar and a cup of baking soda and send them down your tub’s drain each month, the flow will keep going smoothly. Plug the drain afterwards or cover it with a washcloth, as the two chemicals are going to react with each other. Wait a while, and then use boiling water to flush. This procedure should be able to clear pipes of hair and soap scum.
When replacing your shower head, pay attention to the quality of the replacement head. People usually opt for a cheap shower head instead of a quality product. The disadvantage to doing so is that these models are not highly durable and easily break.
If you get grout stuck in the plumbing, it’s going to be very difficult to remove by yourself. Grout can be broken up by yourself, however this generally is only a partial fix. Having plastic pipes rather metal pipes will work a lot better. You might have to get a professional to get rid of this issue.
To extend the life of your pipes, try to stay away from drain cleaners if you can. Corrosive chemicals erode the metal pipes slowly. Consider hiring a professional when you have drain problems.
If you need a plumber, be certain to do some research first. A plumber that is not skilled in a particular task could actually aggravate the problem. Always look into a plumber’s reviews or talk to people you trust, such as family and friends.
If valves are seldom used they may become fused. Periodically turn these valves off and one. Use specially designed oils that can work their way through the buildup to keep them loosened up and operable.
It is important to know where your cut-off valve is for the water on your property. Look closely for the water meter and it should be nearby. Also, locate additional shut off valves for toilets, sinks, washers and any other device that runs off of your water supply. 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.
As you can see, plumbing problems don’t have to be so difficult. If you can solve the problem yourself, you can save time waiting for a plumber, as well as saving a whole lot of money. Try applying what you’ve learned from this article next time you have a plumbing problem!