Tag: common plumbing

Tips On How To Handle A Plumbing Situation

TIP! Water hammer problems, pipe noise due to water hitting the back of the pipe, can be easily repaired. Exposed pipes need to be properly anchored.

Everyone has plumbing questions, every now and then. We would like to know how to fix something ourselves if a problem comes up, and we would like to learn some general maintenance tips. Read this article to give you the basic knowledge to allow you to fix any problem you face and keep your plumbing system in tip-top shape!

TIP! 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 gives the pressure somewhere to go, and can keep them from bursting.

Have your septic tank cleaned every five years to keep it in prime condition. This will keep sediment from hanging out in your tank and eventually causing there to be a backup in your home. Pumping a septic tank might cost a lot of money, but it will cost your more money to clean any back up in sewage you may have had, and replacing your septic tank costs even more!!

TIP! Never try to fix a garbage disposal by putting your hand down into it. Garbage disposals can be dangerous, even when they are turned off.

Learning the basics is important with plumbing problems, including how to use the common plumbing tools. Read each and every manual, and utilize the information that can be found in libraries and the Internet about do-it-yourself projects. Make sure that, before you jump in and start taking things apart, you plan your plumbing repair first.

TIP! You can check for damage to the floors around the toilets by checking for soft areas. You can check for softness or weakness in the floor by placing one foot on each side of the toilet and rocking back and forth.

Make sure there is a strainer covering all drains in order to collect particles that would cause a clog if they went down the drain. Anytime there is something caught in your kitchen drain, you should clean it out. Bathtub strainers need regular cleaning as well.

TIP! Set up a time when all plumbing work will be completed at one time. Do not call a plumber for minor issues.

Don’t put fat, grease and other oils into the drain. Oils will eventually harden and clog up your drain. Grease is of particular concern when there is a disposal unit installed in your drain. It can cause the unit to lose efficiency. Dispose of your oils in a coffee can or other suitable container instead of your sink.

TIP! Run lots of cold water whenever you use your garbage disposal. The blades will stay sharper, and the overall disposal process will run smoother.

Keep your bathtub drain running well by pouring a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the drain each month. Seal off the drain with a conventional plug or a piece of fabric while the natural chemical reaction takes place. Wait a while, then flush it with boiling water. This process should open up the pipes by clearing out hair build-up and soap scum.

TIP! Swapping out old shower heads for energy-efficient ones can save you money on the energy bill. Energy efficient shower heads can save you money on your energy bill and water bill.

It is important to run your faucet with cold water whenever you run your garbage disposal. The blades will stay sharper, and the overall disposal process will run smoother. Hot water will liquefy grease and build up inside the drain, eventually causing clogs.

TIP! Use enzyme based cleaners when cleaning clogged pipes. Enzyme based cleaners use “good” bacteria to transform the clog into a liquid, which will remove it from pipes.

If water is draining into a dishwasher, it is probably because the hose attached to the sink is not installed correctly. This hose should lead uphill first and then downhill so the water from the sink and the dishwater never mix.

TIP! Be sure that the dryer’s lint trap is clean. This will save you trouble, such as preventing fires.

Do not use your toilet to get rid of garbage. You should never flush cotton balls, sanitary pads, tissues, paper towels, diapers, or certain other materials, because these things don’t dissolve and could clog up your toilet. Also, use as little toilet paper as possible to clean yourself properly.

Drain Cover

TIP! You can use two different methods to remove clean out plugs. You can use a hammer and a chisel to attempt to make the fitting looser.

The key towards maintaining low plumbing repair bills is prevention. Drain clogs are a common plumbing issue and sometimes expensive to repair when they are not addressed promptly. You can clog your drains with hair. This can be prevented by using a drain cover or screen to keep the hair from going down the drain. Most objects will not fall through the drain cover, and even hair usually won’t make it through.

TIP! You have not choice in the matter of what plumber is scheduled sometimes, but you should still research different plumbers online. If your insurance provider has set up the appointment, check the company website to see customer reviews and feedback.

If you have grout caught in your line, it’s most likely impossible for you to clean yourself. You could try to break up all the grout to send it down further. This works better with plastic piping than it does with metal. This usually requires professional people to come in to help you get rid of this problem.

TIP! When winter is on the horizon, it is particularly important to check your outside water fixtures to ensure they aren’t leaking or dripping. If your faucets are dripping, you must fix them before the first freeze.

Letting your sink run is not really necessary when you put something down the in-sink disposal unit. People are misguided in thinking that it will work better with the water running, but it is actually of no help. This could actually make the garbage more sticky and cause more issues.

There are two ways to remove clean out plugs. A hammer and chisel can be used to slacken the fitting. You can also chisel into the plug.

TIP! Most people don’t know much about plumbing, so they pay ghastly prices for plumbing services. 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.

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. A professional can help if you can’t clear the problem yourself. They will use a plumbing snake to get rid of the clog.

TIP! A lot of people are afraid that plumbing problems will destroy their home. This can be avoided if you know just one thing.

Prepare for the cold winter months by checking that your outdoor faucets are not dripping or leaking. Checking them before winter is the best time, so you can make any repairs before the temperature gets down to freezing. It does not matter if the pipes are made out of steel, copper or plastic, any water pressure from frozen water will cause them to crack. Even a small crack can cause a lot of damages to your home.

TIP! Choose drain cleaners wisely. There are some drain cleaners on the market that may damage your pipes.

You need to be educated before something happens. Also, keeping your system maintained properly will help you avoid future disasters. Remember the tips in this article to be able to handle your plumbing at home.