Even a simple plumbing problem can be a total pain for someone who doesn’t know how to fix it. Not only are professional plumbers costly, but they also may have you waiting for too long. Keep reading to arm yourself with some very useful plumbing advice!
If a water pipe freezes, you should turn the on tap that is nearest to the pipe to ensure the water has a place to get out when the pipe thaws out. As such, bursting can be halted, saving you from even more costly damages.
To maintain a clean, well-functioning septic tank, it is recommended that you clean it out once every five years. Doing so will help to avoid septic tank problems by ensuring that the tank does not become clogged with sediment. Hiring a professional to pump out your septic tank is costly, but it is far preferable to the damages that could be incurred if the tank becomes backed-up or inoperative.
If you have a clogged toilet and a plunger is not helping to clear the blockage, if the water level is low, pouring a bucking of boiling water from a height into the toilet bowl could resolve the problem. If one attempt doesn’t solve the problem, you can do it again once the water level stabilizes.
Garbage Disposal
Keep your garbage disposal clean to make sure it lasts for awhile. Keep your garbage disposal fresh and running by using dish soap, cherry pits and lemon rinds regularly.
Check overflow holes to make sure there’s no clog. Overflows holes can be used in the event the sink overfills, which is a big problem if they are clogged. Periodically clear out the overflow holes when doing your other checks for things that may need repaired.
Trash should go in the trash basket, not the toilet. Use the toilet for what it is designed for, and it won’t give you a lot of problems. Don’t flush cotton balls, diapers, paper towels, or anything else that doesn’t dissolve, as these can clog it. Even toilet tissue should be used conservatively. Use enough to clean yourself, of course, but if you need to use wads of tissue you should flush several times in the process instead of waiting till the end.
If you have a shower head that needs replacing, be sure to get one that is good quality. Choosing the cheapest shower head in the store can end up costing you more in the long run. Inexpensive shower heads are not terribly sturdy, though, and may not hold up to daily use.
An enzyme based cleaner is an excellent way of unblocking clogged pipes. This type of cleaner uses natural bacteria to transform sludge into liquid, that makes it disappear from the pipes. The enzyme cleaners are the best on the market.
Frozen pipes can cause a lot of damage and cost you money. Fortunately, it is usually relatively easy to prevent your pipes from freezing. Make sure that any outdoor pipes are well insulated. With the onset of colder weather, disconnect and drain any hoses and shut off outside faucets. Making sure that all of this is done will have you a lot of money in plumbing bills.
When you grind things up in the garbage disposal, don’t run the water while doing so. Most plumbers advise that you run water when using your garbage disposal, although many disagree. Running water can help clear debris and keep the disposal’s temperature down, but it can also cause sticky materials to clog the disposal.
If you’re removing clean out plugs and you’re unsuccessful, you can use two methods to do it successfully. The first approach to use is taking a hammer and chisel to see if you can get the fitting loose. The only other method is to take the chisel and use it right through the plug.
You should contact your local Consumer Affairs Department before you hire any plumber. This way, you can see that their licenses are valid and the status of any complaints that have been made about their work. If they don’t have a current license, you don’t want them working for you.
A lot of people find plumbing to be a very scary subject since it problems with it can cause much damage to their dwelling. If you know just this one tip you’ll find that you’ll never have these nightmares again. You should know where your water register is located and how it turns off to prevent water damage.
Drain Cleaners
Be very careful when you are selecting drain cleaners. There are some drain cleaners on the market that may damage your pipes. Always be sure to pick a brand that has been announced that it is gentle on pipes. Your pipes depend on certain bacteria. If you kill off the bacteria with chemicals, your system will not run properly.
Assess the actual hot water needs for your family and use this information to increase the functioning of water heaters. By knowing how many individuals utilize warm water in your house, you will know the hot water tank size that is right for the house.
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!