When someone doesn’t know how to fix a plumbing problem it can seem difficult and daunting to even think about it. It can take a lot of time and money when it comes to hiring a professional plumber. If you know what to do, you can tackle some simple plumbing tasks. Avoid the wait and the expense by following these simple tips!
If you possess pipes that are alive with the sound of squeaking or hammering, you have an issue that is easily corrected. Exposed pipes need to be anchored. For pipes that are situated inside walls, or the floor or ceiling, you should hire a professional.
Avoiding frozen pies is easy if you ensure no area of your house ever falls below freezing and that any pipes which are exposed to such temperatures are protected with insulation. Pipes can freeze when the ambient temperature in the area of the pipes dips below freezing. The best case scenario is that you can heat the pipes and the water will start flowing again. But, more importantly, the pipes can burst, which will cause a huge mess and big repair bill.
Frozen Pipe
If your water pipe has frozen, start water running in the faucet closest to the frozen pipe. This will give excess water somewhere to drain as the ice in the pipe thaws. Letting the water drain out will relieve pressure in the frozen pipe, which will reduce the chances of it bursting and damaging your home.
If you find you are having an issue with the garbage disposal, do not put your bare hands in the disposal. Even if the disposal is turned off, it can still be hazardous. Try to find a diagram, or troubleshooting guide for your particular disposal on the Internet.
Position a strainer over all drains to collect any particles that would otherwise go down the drain and possibly cause a stoppage. Thoroughly clean the strainer on a regular basis. You should clean out the strainer in your bathtub often.
Clean your garbage disposal regularly to prolong the life of your disposal. By having a regular cleaning routine, which includes a combination of lemon rinds, dish soap and even pits from a cherry, your disposal can be kept smelling fresh and running smoothly for many years to come.
Overflow Holes
Check the overflow holes for clogs. Overflows holes can be used in the event the sink overfills, which is a big problem if they are clogged. Clear out your sink’s overflow holes every so often, while checking for any other problems or necessary repairs.
To keep possible toilet problems as small as possible, you should prevent using it like it’s a trash can. Never flush paper towels, tissue, diapers, or tampons. These things do not break up correctly and can clog your pipes. Also, be conservative in your use of toilet paper.
When you replace your shower head, be sure that the replacement head is high quality. Some people think that one shower head is like any other, so decide on price alone. Usually these break easily.
Fix issues related to low water pressure that are a result of a buildup of sediment by cleansing the aerator. Remove the aerator, take it apart, and clean with a small brush dipped in vinegar. Rinse the piece, put it back together, and put it back on the faucet. This should help increase the water pressure, because any obstacles in the aerator will have been removed.
If there is grout stuck in your line, it is most likely going to be a lost cause attempting to clean it all yourself. The grout can be broken in order to send it further down the line. This works best if your pipes are plastic instead of metal. However, ultimately it usually requires a professional to rid you of this problem.
Don’t bother running your water when you use the garbage disposal. People are misguided in thinking that it will work better with the water running, but it is actually of no help. In point of fact, sending water and garbage through the disposal together can shorten its lifespan by encouraging more waste to stick to the moving parts.
Drain Cleaners
Drain cleaners should be avoided, if possible. Compounds that are ingredients in common drain cleaners are quite corrosive and can cause pipe damage if overused. Rather than using cleaners, hire a professional to look at your clogged drain.
Watch for toilet leaks. You can do this by coloring the water in your tank. Watch the bowl, and if you see colored water within a few seconds, you know that you have a problem that needs to be handled soon.
Check with the Department of Consumer Affairs when shopping for a good plumbing contractor. They will tell you if their licenses are all up to date or if they have received any negative feedback. If they don’t have a current license, you don’t want them working for you.
A lot of people do not know what to do about their plumbing issues so they pay a plumber big bucks! If you own your own home, it’s important that you take the time to learn the basics of plumbing, enough to ensure that you know what a plumber will be doing. This will protect you against scams.
Brass Fixtures
When purchasing new plumbing fixtures, you might want to consider brass ones. To begin with, brass fixtures have the benefit of being long lasting and durable. Brass fixtures often look much more aesthetically pleasing than other materials. You will be able to find these in any type of home repair store.
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!