Tag: bathtub drain

Simple Ideas To Help You Understand Plumbing

TIP! Only pay pay the plumber once the job is done. You might have to give them a deposit, but do not give them the entire sum of money until you are sure they have done a good job.

There are lots of problems that can arise when dealing with plumbing. A few things can be easy to fix, but others are sometimes more difficult. It does not matter what your circumstances are, it remains important that you know some plumbing basics so you can deal with issues as they arise.

TIP! Pass on seemingly convenient cleaning products like bleach tablets and blue toilet tabs. The rubber parts of your system can be damaged by the chemicals contained in these tablets and stop functioning.

If you have pipes that sound as if they’re squeaking or hammering, it’s an easy fix. Anchoring exposed pipes will decrease the amount of noise your plumbing system makes. You might want to contact a professional when the pipes are hard to access.

TIP! Place a strainer over the drains to collect anything that could clog and cause stoppage. The strainer in the kitchen sink should be cleaned each time you have large particles trapped in it.

If any water pipe that you have freezes, be sure to turn on the faucet that is closes to the pipe to give the water an exit as the pipe thaws. This will help relieve pressure in pipes to prevent them from bursting, which may prevent bigger damage for your home.

Septic Tank

TIP! Check the overflow holes for clogs. Overflow holes divert water when a sink starts to fill up.

Have your septic tank cleaned every five years to keep it in prime condition. This keeps the tank from developing a buildup of sediment, thereby preventing the septic system from backing up or failing altogether as a result. There is a cost to having a company pump out your septic tank. But, a serious backup can cost a lot more if it mean replacing the tank.

TIP! Remember that your toilet is not intended to be used to dispose of trash. If you flush improper items such as disposable diapers, facial tissue, cotton balls, paper toweling, tampons or sanitary napkins down the toilet, you will surely have problems with clogs.

Keep a strainer over every drain in your house to prevent stray debris from clogging your pipes. Clean the kitchen sink strainer any time something collects in it. Clean bathtub drain screens as often as needed.

TIP! If you have grout stuck in the line, it probably won’t help you cleaning it all by yourself. The grout can be broken up however it is not an easy task to do by yourself.

Do not put any oil, fat, or greasy foods or products in your sink. Oils will eventually harden and clog up your drain. This is primarily true if you are someone who has a garbage disposal; the fats will make the blades go slower and less freely. To keep your kitchen pipes clear, never dispose of grease down your sink drain.

TIP! A good tip to use when using your garbage disposal is to leave the water turned off. A common misconception is that if you flow water into the disposal while you’re putting solid items down there, the process will be smoother, but that just isn’t true.

Iron will cause orange or pink stains in and on your fixtures if you have a well. A water softener is the easiest way to solve hard water problems relating to rust, but you can also consult a plumber if you are unsure.

TIP! Always check for leaks in and around your toilets. Drop a few food coloring drops inside your toilet tank to test for leaks.

Clean your garbage disposal regularly to prolong the life of your disposal. 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.

TIP! Prepare for the cold winter months by checking that your outdoor faucets are not dripping or leaking. If you see that, you will have to repair it before the temperature drops to freezing.

Use baking soda and one cup of vinegar per month to keep the bathtub drain clear and running well. Cover with a rag or plug, as a chemical reaction will occur in the pipes. After giving the mixture time to work, flush it out by running boiling water through the drain. By following this tip, you should be able to clear all the soap scum, hair, and other grime out of your pipes.

TIP! Water valves that are rarely ever used often become fused together. You can maintain them using penetrating oil, and make sure to turn them once in a while so that they do not start sticking.

Regularly check your overflow holes to make sure they’re not clogged. These holes come into use if the skin overflows. Things can get problematic if they are clogged. When you do periodic checks for any other problems or repairs that are needed, take the time to clear the holes that are there to protect you from overflow.

TIP! It is important to know the location of the valve that cuts off water to your house. Where the water enters from the main line, should be a meter for tracking water usage.

If you’ve got a shower head to replace, get a good quality replacement. In a lot of instances, folks decide they can get away with purchasing the most economical model on the shelf. The problem with this is that they are not very sturdy and can break much easier.

Garbage Disposal

TIP! Plumbing can be a nightmare, because it can cause a lot of damage to a home. However, you can save yourself the bad dreams with just one tip.

When you grind things up in the garbage disposal, don’t run the water while doing so. Water will not make your garbage disposal run smoothly. Actually, the water can make the garbage stick to the disposal, which can lead to more damage.

TIP! Choose your pipe cleaners with care. It is possible that your pipes may be damaged with the wrong type of cleaner.

If you are having trouble removing a clean-out plug, there are two ways to do it. Try to use a hammer and chisel to loosen it. The only other method is to take the chisel and use it right through the plug.

TIP! Never use a drain opener with chemicals when you want to unclog a drain. Even though these products may help to open up your drain, the chemicals in them can cause damage to your body, especially if they get on your skin.

You might not be able to control which plumber you have to use, but you can find out all you can about them on the Internet. You’ll be more comfortable with the plumber if you read about other customers’ experiences with him.

TIP! Tankless water heaters are a green option for the eco-friendly consumer. Unlike a conventional water heater, these do not store any water, and heat up the water only as it is needed.

A common problem with toilets is that sewage will on will back up and flow into the toilet. This happens because of a blockage within the branch lines that connect the main line to the sewage line. If you cannot handle the problem on your own, then seek out a professional to come over and clear it.

TIP! Property owners have the option of installing flood alarms to alert them of flooding danger. Flood alarms are similar to smoke alarms.

Valves that are rarely used tend to fuse together. 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.

TIP! Plumbing tools may seem expensive to buy, but in the long run, having them on-hand will save you plenty of money in plumbing repair bills. There are a lot of videos online that teach you how to carry out basic plumbing repairs.

Government agencies can provide information about plumbing contractors. This will allow you to be sure that they are properly licensed and that they have not received a ton of complaints from previous clients. They need to have a valid license, or they should not do any work in homes.

Brass Fixtures

TIP! Maintenance should be performed regularly to prevent leaks from faucets and sinks. Proper maintenance can save you money, help you avoid mold and eliminate the need for a plumber.

When replacing plumbing fixtures, brass is an option to consider. For starters, brass fixtures are much more durable and last longer. In addition, the choice of brass fixtures will be much more pleasing visually than other fixture options. You will be able to find these in any type of home repair store.

TIP! Use a hairdryer to thaw a frozen pipe. A low level heat source may take a little longer, but it’s safer and you can avoid having to call a plumber.

As has been previously written, knowing some knowledge about plumbing will help you when things go wrong, whether they are small or big problems. By using the above hints, you’ll see that these problems can be solved without stressing you out.