When you are working on your plumbing, there is a lot that can go wrong. Some mishaps are easily correctable, while others are not. Regardless of the difficulty, a good amount of plumbing knowledge is needed to ensure that repairs are done correctly and efficiently.
If you don’t want plumbing in your home frozen, then don’t let the inside temperature go under the freezing mark, and make sure any pipes that have no protection from the elements are thoroughly insulated. Your plumbing can freeze if the air around it is below 32 degrees. It may take time to thaw so that you can have running water. The worst case scenario is a busted pipe and a costly repair.
If you discover that a water pipe has frozen, find the tap closest to the pipe so when the thaw happens, the water has an exit point. This relieves the pressure contained in the pipe as it also prevents it from bursting, which would reduce the damage done to your house.
Pour baking soda and vinegar down your bathtub drain every month. Cover with a rag or plug, as a chemical reaction will occur in the pipes. Wait for a little while and then allow boiling water to go down the drain. By following this tip, you should be able to clear all the soap scum, hair, and other grime out of your pipes.
Don’t use your toilet as a wastebasket to keep potential problems to a minimum. Never flush paper towels, tissue, diapers, or tampons. These things do not break up correctly and can clog your pipes. You will also want to use the least amount of toilet paper as required.
When it is time to replace your shower head, you should consider paying a little more for a better one. People try to save money by buying the least expensive shower head that is out there. This is not the case though. The cheaper models usually are low quality and will break easier than a high quality fixture.
If you have pipes that are clogged, try a cleaner that is enzyme based. These cleaners employ helpful bacteria which process the sludge lining your pipes, and turn it to liquid. The most highly recommended pipe cleaners are enzyme cleaners.
Lint Trap
The dryer has a lint trap that must be kept clean. This could prevent you from a tons of trouble, and it can also prevent fires. Inspect your lint trap every so often for tears or holes that could cause lint to go into your pipes, this could cause clogs or other problems you will have to deal with.
Over time, sediment buildup may lead to problems with low water pressure. Often, this problem can be addressed by thoroughly cleaning out the aerator. First, you should remove and disassemble the aerator. Next, clean it with a brush that has been dipped in white vinegar. Then you can simply rinse off the aerator and reassemble the faucet. This should remove any obstructions that were in the aerator, thereby improving your water pressure.
Drain Cleaners
Stop cleaning a persistent clog with harsh drain cleaners. Drain cleaners contain caustic and damaging chemicals which can destroy your pipes if used too often. Sometimes, finding a professional to fix a blocked drain is the best way to solve the problem.
As we near the winter months, you should check that none of your outdoor faucets are drippy or leaking water. If you see that, you will have to repair it before the temperature drops to freezing. Whatever the material of your pipes, freezing water causes pressure that can make them crack. Cracked pipes can lead to extensive water damage to your home, resulting in very costly repairs.
Government agencies can provide information about plumbing contractors. This way, you can see that their licenses are valid and the status of any complaints that have been made about their work. Do not hire a plumber with a license that is not in good standing.
You have to always be aware of where the primary water shut off valve is in your home. You will see the water meter near it or on it. Fixtures, such as sinks or toilets, may also be equipped with individual cut-off valves. Make sure every member of the family knows where the values are located, and mark them so they are easy to turn off in case the need arises.
Many people aren’t well-versed in plumbing, and choose to pay whatever the plumber is asking for. If you own your home, you should definitely be sure to learn enough to understand what the professional is accomplishing. This will ensure that you are not ripped off.
To improve your home’s water-hating efficiency, you should figure out the right size water tank to provide enough hot water for the whole household. Take into consideration the size of your household and the number of appliances that require hot water to find the right size.
One consideration when replacing plumbing fixtures is the life of the fixture, so you might want your next fixtures to be brass. To begin with, brass fixtures have the benefit of being long lasting and durable. Brass also looks better than other options available. You can find these fixture in most hardware stores.
It is not a good idea to dispose of bananas, pumpkin, poultry skins or root vegetables, as they tend to snag on the blades and cause drain back-ups. Throw these kinds of foods away rather than risking ruining your disposal.
If you see water pooling under your water heater, turn the water off using the shut-off valves. The reason that shutting the water off now is so important is that a smaller leak could easily turn into a larger one, and thus it becomes much harder to deal with.
As mentioned above, there are many problems your plumbing can have. These range from minor repairs to major disasters. The information provided in this article will help you to deal with these problems without stress.