Everyone has plumbing questions, every now and then. We want to know how we can fix things ourselves and to learn basic maintenance tips. Read on to learn the answers to these questions so that you can handle plumbing problems yourself.
In order to prevent any pipes within your home from freezing, you should never let the home temperature get below freezing. Always insulate pipes exposed to elements. Pipes have the potential to freeze if the surrounding temperatures are below the freezing mark. If they do freeze, you are looking at some time before they can thaw out, thus you will have to wait for running water. On the other hand, they can burst, which gets messy and really expensive.
Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal is having problems, don’t give in to the desire to attempt a fix by reaching down into the disposal. Even if it is are switched off, a garbage disposal can be very dangerous. Research your disposal online to locate a detailed diagram or troubleshooting guide for your model.
Don’t pour oils, grease or fat down the drain. These substances will create clogs after cooling in your drain. Even with a garbage disposal, you are going to cause it to be less efficient and risk drain backups. To keep your drain running efficiently, dispose of fats and oils in other ways besides pouring them down the drain.
If your home has a well for water and there are pink or orange stains in the sinks and tubs, this could be due to high iron content in your water. A water softener will take care of the issue. This can either be done by yourself, or you can hire a professional to come and take care of.
Use baking soda and one cup of vinegar per month to keep the bathtub drain clear and running well. Cover it with a plug or rag, since a chemical reaction should happen in the pipes. After letting it sit for a few moments, clear the pipes out with a gallon of boiling water. Although this is useful for clearing away simple clogs made of hair and soap debris, it will not work for serious blockages.
Overflow Holes
Do special checks on your sink overflow holes to ensure they are not becoming clogged. You may not even notice the overflow holes on your sink, but if you have a major water leak you will soon regret your apathy. As you routinely look for things needing attention, check to be sure that the overflow holes are clear and unblocked.
Use cold water when using your garbage disposal. The cold water keeps your blades sharp, which helps your disposal run smooth. Hot water is not recommended because of what it does to greasy products.
Use a cleaner that is enzyme based if you want to clean clogged pipes. Enzyme based pipe cleaners utilize natural bacteria to attack the clog and dissolve it so it can be washed away. The cleaners that have enzymes are the best you can buy.
The best way to avoid plumbing bills is to prevent problems before they happen. Clogs can be a major cause of plumbing problems. Hair is one of the most common clog-producing materials. Avoid this by using a drain cover or screen that keeps hair and other particles from clogging your pipes. It is much easier to remove the hair from a screen than it is to get it out of a pipe.
A costly repair, in regards to plumbing, are frozen pipes. This can usually be prevented. First, you need to check your outside pipe to make sure it has the proper insulation. When the temperature dips, you should also make sure your garden hoses are disconnected and that your exterior faucet is shut off. If you do this, it will help you to save on repair bills.
Don’t rely on drain cleaners too much. Their chemicals are extremely corrosive, and they may damage your pipes if used too often. If your drain frequently blocks, then call a professional to see what the real problem is, and get it solved once and for all.
Research potential plumbers before hiring one. Some plumbers just don’t know how to handle certain tasks which could make the problem worse. Always look into a plumber’s reviews or talk to people you trust, such as family and friends.
As winter approaches, be sure that your external faucets are not dripping and leaking. If you find a problem, you need to move quickly to repair it, lest the faucet crack. Regardless of whether you have steel, plastic or copper pipes, the water in them expands when it freezes and will make the pipes crack. Even the tiniest of cracks can release enough water to cause water damage or flooding to your home.
It’s important to learn a bit about plumbing before there is an emergency. In addition, performing a small amount of routine maintenance could help stop any problems. Use the tips included in the preceding piece, and you will be prepared to tackle any plumbing issues that may develop.