You will often hear that fixing your own plumbing problems is too hard. However, it becomes much easier if you are properly educated and have the proper advice to do the job. You can be well on the way to a successful plumbing project, if you make use of the tips you’ll find below.
It’s easy to fix noisy pipes which squeak or sound like hammering. Anchor any easily-accessible loose pipes. Pipes that are contained within the floors, walls and ceilings may need to be attended by a professional plumber.
If your pipes freeze, turn on the water from the faucet nearest them to let water out when they start to thaw. This can relieve the pipe pressure that could cause bursting and further home damage.
You need to insulate any pipes have exposure to outside elements to avoid them freezing. You should also keep the temperature in the home above freezing to avoid your pipes freezing. It is easy for pipes to freeze whenever the mean temperature near the pipes drop below freezing. It could take some time in order for the pipes to thaw out so that you can have running water. But, they could also burst, causing a mess and a large repair bill.
Septic Tank
Avoid septic tank problems by having your tank pumped out in five year intervals. Doing this prevents any sediment from getting built up within the tank, which causes a backup in your home or causes your entire septic system to fail. It will cost some to have the septic tank pumped, but it would cost much more to have it cleaned, repaired or replaced due to sewage back up.
Place a strainer over the drains to collect anything that could clog and cause stoppage. Clean out the one in the kitchen whenever there’s something trapped there that shouldn’t be. The ones in your bathtub should also be cleaned frequently, as needed.
Never put fat, grease, or oils into your drain. This is a certain way to either slow your drainage or clog your drain entirely. Even with a garbage disposal, you are going to cause it to be less efficient and risk drain backups. Throw away oils nowhere near the sink.
Run lots of cold water whenever you use your garbage disposal. Cold water keeps blades sharp and allows for smoother disposal. When you use hot water, any grease that is in the garbage will melt and be more prone to stopping up your drain.
When it is time to replace your shower head, you should consider paying a little more for a better one. In a lot of instances, folks decide they can get away with purchasing the most economical model on the shelf. Inexpensive shower heads are not terribly sturdy, though, and may not hold up to daily use.
Lint Trap
To keep possible toilet problems as small as possible, you should prevent using it like it’s a trash can. Don’t flush items like paper towels, sanitary napkins, diapers or cotton balls, because these items don’t break down and may cause clogging issues. Also, you want to use the least amount of toilet paper to clean yourself.
Clean your dryer’s lint trap. This saves you from potential problems, including the prevention of 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.
If your toilet has sewage back-up, then there is a block somewhere along the branch line that connects the sewage and main lines. If you cannot clear the blockage, you will have to contact a professional, who will run a snake along the line to clear it.
Government agencies can provide information about plumbing contractors. You will be able to check their license and know if people have complained about this specific contractor. If they don’t generate appealing results, you can simply move forward and find someone who does.
Enzyme-based products are often superior to other options when your drains are clogged. Enzyme-based cleaners actually digest part of the sludge, liquefying it, and cleaning your drain naturally. The best options on the market now are enzyme cleaners.
Many important skills are involved in becoming a great plumber. When looking at a common project like fixing water lines, one can realize the in-depth knowledge that is necessary.
Figure out the size of the water tank you need, this will help you save some money on energy bills. Purchasing the proper size tank can be assessed ahead of time and thus greatly improve the availability of hot water when needed.
Take special care to reconnect the drainage pipe if necessary after installing your water heater. This pipe is probably for recirculation of the water and it works to keep energy usage to a minimum by making water heating more efficient.
A good tip to use when using your garbage disposal is to leave the water turned off. Water will not make your garbage disposal run smoothly. Water can cause food to stick to the moving parts, and this could create damage.
Be extremely careful about unclogging a stopped-up drain using a chemical drain opening product. Even though they might be successful in unclogging the drain, the harmful chemicals in these products can be damaging to your skin. If you must use them, wear long sleeves and gloves.
Next time you need bathroom or kitchen fixtures, brass is a great choice. Brass tends to be much more durable than other materials in plumbing, so you will not need to replace the fixtures as frequently. Also, the appearance of the brass fixtures is a lot prettier than similar counterparts. These fixtures are sold in most hardware and home improvement stores.
In the world of plumbing, there are many novices. As a professional, it may be in your best interest to take on a skilled apprentice. An apprentice will be able to help you, and this is an opportunity for you to pass on your professional skills to someone new.
Know where the location of the main water-valve is on your property. A water meter should be located on or near it. Some plumbing fixtures, such as sinks and toilets, may have individual shut-off valves. Give all family members information about where these valves are located, and show them how to shut them off should an emergency occur.
If you labor outdoors for extended intervals, make certain to get breaks from the sunlight. It can be easy to get caught up in your work and forget to take breaks, but be sure to guard your safety and take breaks often.
If your pipes are copper, they may slightly expand when hot water flows through them. When this happens, the pipes will not fit into the pipe hangers, and will end up grinding against them. In the long run, this could damage those pipes. You can wrap your pipe in tape and adjust your hangers as necessary to keep the pipes where they belong.
Loose Tiles
Do not use a chemical drain opener when you are attempting to unclog your drains. Even though the products might work, the harsh chemicals they contain can damage the body, particularly if they splash on your skin, and can also damage your pipes. If you plan to use them, wear long sleeved shirts and gloves.
Check your flooring for loose tiles or any water damage. Loose tiles can be an early sign that a leak exists and needs to be addressed, so press against the floor or wall around the tiles to determine if there is any “give”. You can manage problems quicker if you detect it early through the tiles.
Good maintenance is the best way to prevent leaks in your sinks and faucets. Water wasted from leaks can reach 150 gallons everyday, so you should check your pipes regularly for any moisture or leaks. Fixing problems as they happen also makes your pipes last longer.
As was discussed at the beginning of the article, while plumbing can be an extremely difficult chore for anyone to complete, it becomes significantly easier if you have the right advice and information. Use the advice from this article, and you’ll be on your way to doing your own plumbing.
Food items such as carrots, banana peels, chunks of chicken or pieces of pumpkin are very difficult items for the garbage disposal blades to chop, and they can become tangled or caught and clog up the drain. Throw these hard-to-grind foods into the trash instead of the disposal.