Working on the plumbing in your home can seem like a daunting task, and you might not know where to begin. There are lots of rules and regulations, tools to buy and many different procedures that need to be followed. These tips will give you the information you need to be a better plumber!
If your pipes are so noisy that they sound like squeaking or hammering, you can easily solve this problem. Any exposed pipes will need to be anchored. If the pipes are in the walls, floors or ceiling, you may want to call a professional to come and help complete the project.
Avoid the use of products for your toilet that help with odor, such as bleach tablets. The rubber parts of your system can be damaged by the chemicals contained in these tablets and stop functioning.
If your toilet will not flush, and there is very little water in the basin, try to fix the issue by dumping warm water in the bowl from around your waist line. The water should go down, and you can pour another bucket of water if the toilet is still clogged.
Don’t pour cooking grease, leftover frying fat or any oils down your sink drain. These substances will harden as soon as they cool down, and clog your drains. Grease is of particular concern when there is a disposal unit installed in your drain. It can cause the unit to lose efficiency. Pour the grease and oil into a can to cool, put it in the trash.
Schedule your plumbing jobs all together. Of course, our natural inclination is to handle problems as they arise, but it helps to get everything done at once. Even if you only have one noticeable problem, you can still get a plumber to inspect other areas. It also costs less because most plumbers will charge you per hour and include a minimum rate for coming out. If you call them out multiple times, those charges for them coming out will add up quickly.
Shower Heads
Installing more efficient shower heads can save you tons of money on your energy bill. Most of the hot water we use is from showering. You can save up to a few hundred dollars a year by simply installing shower heads that are energy efficient.
If you notice water draining into your dishwasher, check how the kitchen sink hoses are installed. The water will not drain into the dishwasher from the sink if it is configured in an uphill and downhill position.
Make sure to clean out the dryers lint trap. This can prevent a lot of problems, including a fire. Look over the lint trap to make sure there aren’t any rips or holes. This can cause problems like clogs.
When water pipes freeze, the damage can be extensive and costly. This can usually be prevented. First, ensure that all outside pipes have sufficient insulation. When the temperature dips, you should also make sure your garden hoses are disconnected and that your exterior faucet is shut off. Doing so can prevent some nasty repair bills a professional plumber would charge you.
Do not attempt to remove grout from your plumbing. Do your best to break it up and flush it down. This is much easier if your pipes are plastic, rather than metal. However, this will most likely require a professional to do the job.
There are two ways to remove stubborn clean-out plugs. The first one is to use a hammer and chisel to attempt loosening the fitting. The only other option is to chisel right through the clean out plug.
Even if you only have one choice, research your plumber before he arrives. Though your insurer may determine the plumbing company that will work on your house, you still have the ability to look them up, read customer reviews and prepare for their visit.
Know where the location of the main water-valve is on your property. There will be a water meter there or nearby. Look for additional cut-off valves for you indoor equipment, such as toilets, sinks or any other water source. Show your family members where these valves are, and then add markings that show how they should be turned off if an emergency occurs.
Education is essential when dealing with plumbing issues, because knowing nothing about the topic will cause people to spend big bucks on a plumber. If you own your own home, you owe it to yoruself and your wallet to learn enough about plumbing basics to at least understand what a plumber is doing and why. By gaining this education, you can protect yourself from getting ripped off by a shady plumber.
Plumbing doesn’t have to be complicated, especially if you know what you’re doing. There are many basics that you should know first. All that you need to get started is doing a little homework, putting in some effort and using your head to determine the soundest approach to the problem at hand.