People may need water to live, but water can just seem like a hassle if it’s flooding your basement. Fewer issues, minus a natural disaster, may cause so much damage to a home like a serious plumbing issue. Thankfully, owners of homes can take steps to avoid plumbing nightmares.
If you have noisy pipes that sound like hammering or squeaking, this is something that is easy to fix. Exposed pipes will have to be anchored. You might have to call a professional to help finish the project if pipes are in floors, ceiling or walls.
To deal with a frozen pipe, turn on the faucet closest to the pipe. This gives the water a place to exit as the pipe defrosts. As such, bursting can be halted, saving you from even more costly damages.
Tank Pumped
Avoid septic tank problems by having your tank pumped out in five year intervals. Regular maintenance will keep sediment from backing up inside of the tank. Sediment can not only cause the sewage in the tank to back up into your house, but it can cause the tank to fail completely. While it may cost a bit to have your septic tank pumped out, it will cost you much more to clean up any sewage backup or to repair or replace your septic tank.
Wait until a job is done before you pay for it. Some plumbers may require a deposit, but don’t fork over all the dough until the job is completed to spec. You want to make sure that the plumber completed everything that they said they would before they get your money.
Sifting drainers are available for any size drain to prevent items larger than a grain of sand going into your pipes. Every time you have large particles in the strainer of the kitchen sink, it should be cleaned thoroughly. The bathtub strainer will prevent hair from clogging up your drain.
Keep your garbage disposal clean to make sure it lasts for awhile. By utilizing a routine on a regular basis, using the combination of lemon rinds, cherry pits, and dish soap, you can maintain a disposal that runs great and smells like new.
Enzyme Based
If you have clogged pipes and thinking about using a pipe cleaner, one that is enzyme based is highly recommended. Enzyme cleaners contain bacteria that digest through solid sludge, making it weak enough to be flushed out. Enzyme based cleaners are not corrosive so they won’t erode your metal pipes.
If you take care of your plumbing, you will have lower plumbing bills. Clogged drains are a major problem that often requires professional help. Drains are frequently clogged by hair. Putting a strainer on your drain can solve this problem. Make sure you clean the hair from the screen regularly. This should be much easier than cleaning a drain.
Don’t run the water when the garbage disposal is used. It is assumed that food will go down more smoothly if the water is running, though in reality that does nothing good. Water can cause food to stick to the moving parts, and this could create damage.
If your toilet has sewage back-up, then there is a block somewhere along the branch line that connects the sewage and main lines. If you are unable to handle the issue on your own, you will need to hire a professional who can use a snake to unclog the line.
Before the cold weather hits, check any outside faucets for leaks or drips. You will have to fix this potential problem before freezing temperatures come. Frozen water puts a lot of pressure on pipes and makes them crack, regardless of the material. Even the most minute crack can cause a big enough leak to create flooding or water damage and mold in your home.
Everyone in your family should know exactly where your home’s main water shut off valve is and how to use it. The water meter for your property should be close to it. Look for additional cut-off valves for you indoor equipment, such as toilets, sinks or any other water source. Make sure all the members of your family know where the cut-off valves are. In addition, add markings to show how they should be turned off.
As most people don’t have a clue about plumbing, they will tend to pay whatever the plumber charges, no matter how large. When you have a home of your own to care for, try to learn enough about plumbing to understand what you hear from a professional plumber. The more you know, the less likely you’ll be likely to get ripped off.
When trying to unclog drains, never use any chemical drain openers. Despite the effectiveness of these products in unclogging pipes, the ingredients within them are not friendly to skin contact. If you plan to use them, wear long sleeved shirts and gloves.
A tankless hot water heater may be a good investment for those who are interested in conservation. They don’t store water, and heat water only on an as needed basis. This saves money on electricity and water costs.
Check the floor and/or wall to see if any tiles are loose. Loose tiles sometimes mean a leak needs to be fixed, so see if there is any “give” when you push against a tile. You can better respond to an issue proactively if you are warned enough in advance by the tiles.
Turn off the water at the valve if you notice water leaking from your heater. If you don’t, a small leak can turn into a much larger leak, making it harder to shut off.
Having a basic knowledge and being prepared are the first steps to successful plumbing repairs. If you own a home and know the basics when it comes to plumbing, you are more likely to make necessary repairs when the need arises. A homeowner who knows something about plumbing can often fix issues before they become major crises.