Get Those Pipes Fixed With These Plumbing Tips

If you plan on maintaining your plumbing yourself, there is a world of information that you need to know. Whether you are outfitting your tool shed or wading through local regulations, knowledge is critical. Read the tips contained in this article so that you will have the knowledge to become an excellent plumber.

Don’t let your house temperature drop to below freezing and make sure to insulate anything that is exposed to the outside elements to prevent frozen pipes. Obviously, frozen pipes occur due to freezing environmental conditions. In the very least, you could lose running water inside while waiting for the pipes to unfreeze. However, they might burst, which will cause an enormous mess and repair bill.

Septic Tank

Pump your septic tank every five years to keep it working well. Doing so will help to avoid septic tank problems by ensuring that the tank does not become clogged with sediment. While you may find it costly to get your septic tank cleaned out, the cost is much higher to have sewage and backups cleaned up and your septic tank repaired or replaced.

TIP! Your plumbing experience can go a lot smoother when you know your tools, as well as how to handle them properly. Read your manuals and books, either online or at the library, to teach yourself do it yourself plumbing.

Ensure that a septic tank is emptied approximately five yearly, and make sure it is properly maintained. This will keep sediment from hanging out in your tank and eventually causing there to be a backup in your home. Although it could cost a good deal of money to pump out your septic tank, it will cost a lot more having to clean sewage backup or having to fix or replace a septic tank.

When running your garbage disposal, always use a lot of cold water. 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.

If you notice water draining into your dishwater, check your kitchen sink. The hose might not be installed properly. This hose must lead uphill and downhill to prevent mixing water between the kitchen sink and the dishwasher.

Don’t be tempted to use commercial bleach tablets, blue toilet tablets or any other product that claims to prevent toilet odor. These tablets have chemicals that can damage rubber parts that are essential to the proper functioning of your toilet.

TIP! The areas of floor around your toilets are particularly susceptible to water damage; here’s how you can check them. 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.

Do not flush unneeded things down your toilet if you want to lessen your chance of having issues. Do not flush sanitary pads, paper towels, cotton balls, tissues, diapers or other materials, as these items do not dissolve and could cause clogs. Additionally, use the minimum amount of toilet paper required to clean up after you are done.

If you have to replace any of your shower heads, make sure that the replacement is the best one you can afford. In a lot of instances, folks decide they can get away with purchasing the most economical model on the shelf. The disadvantage to doing so is that these models are not highly durable and easily break.

Lint Trap

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. Clean debris from these strainers after each use. Kitchen filters should be changed often, while bathtub filters can be changed as needed.

TIP! Iron will cause orange or pink stains in and on your fixtures if you have a well. Luckily, you can quickly fix this by adding some water softener to your supply.

Clean the lint trap in your dryer. This saves you from potential problems, including the prevention of fires. Also, check the lint trap to see if there are telltale signs that lint may be leaking into your pipes through holes and tears.

Frozen pipes are on of the most expensive plumbing problems. However, this problem can be prevented. Make sure that any outdoor pipes are well insulated. Before winter hits, turn off the water to the outside faucet and drain and store all of your hoses. You can save a bunch on your plumbing bills this way.

You can research a plumber online, even if you did not choose them. If the insurance company you have scheduled a plumber for you, you could always check out the website and the reviews and feedback left by customers, so you are more comfortable and ready when they arrive.

Pour baking soda and vinegar down your bathtub drain every month. Put a rag over the drain afterward, though, to keep the chemicals from coming back up after the reaction. After waiting a few minutes, flush the drain with boiling water. Your pipes will soon be clear of accumulated hair and soap scum.

TIP! If you have pipes that are clogged, try a cleaner that is enzyme based. Enzyme-based cleaners actually digest part of the sludge, liquefying it, and cleaning your drain naturally.

As winter approaches, be sure that your external faucets are not dripping and leaking. If they are, it is important to have all repairs completed before the temperatures drop below freezing. Frozen water will back up in your pipes and crack them, whether they are PVC, copper, or even steel. Even a very small crack can cause significant water damage or even can flood your entire home.

Plumbing doesn’t have to be complicated, especially if you know what you’re doing. You need to learn the basics, however. All that is needed to start is common sense, effort and research to determine the most efficient way of handling your particular job.