Unfortunately, most homeowners find that plumbing issues tend to rear their head soon after a new property is purchased. The kitchen and bathroom are the two primary places that issues occur. In reality, at some point each homeowner deals with a plumbing problem at some point. The following advice will help, when that homeowner is you.
Noisy Pipes
It’s easy to fix noisy pipes which squeak or sound like hammering. Exposed pipes will have to be anchored. It may be necessary to hire a professional to address noisy pipes that are located in less accessible places in your home.
To keep your pipes from freezing in the winter, insulate all exterior pipes and be sure to keep your interior house temperature above freezing, even if the house is vacant. If ambient temperature surrounding pipes goes below freezing, pipes can freeze as well. It could take some time in order for the pipes to thaw out so that you can have running water. However, they might burst, which will cause an enormous mess and repair bill.
If one of your water pipes freezes, turn on the tap to the faucet nearest the pipe so that the water has somewhere to exit as the pipe thaws. This will relive some of the pressure, and could prevent cracks from appearing.
If something is wrong with the disposal in your sink, avoid the temptation to stick your hand in there to fix it. Even while turned off, the garbage disposal is still a dangerous place for your fingers. Look for a diagram of the garbage disposal you have on the Internet.
You should put a strainer over your drains to catch anything that could clog your drain up. Kitchen sink strainers should be cleaned every time they collect large food particles. Strainers placed in a bathtub can be cleaned periodically.
Don’t pay the entire plumbing bill upfront; wait until the plumber finishes the plumbing job. Some plumbers may require a deposit, but don’t fork over all the dough until the job is completed to spec. This ensures that the plumber fully completes the job before getting paid.
Garbage Disposal
If you want your garbage disposal to have the same lifespan as your total home, clean it regularly. By regularly “cleaning” the disposal with lemon rinds, cherry pits and dish soap, you can make sure that your garbage disposal is running well and smelling so clean it could be new.
Putting a cup of any kind of baking soda followed with a cup of white vinegar each month will keep your drain running smoothly. Afterward, place a washcloth or towel over the top of the drain, to keep the chemical reactions contained. After letting it sit for a few moments, clear the pipes out with a gallon of boiling water. Your pipes will soon be clear of accumulated hair and soap scum.
Schedule your plumbing jobs all together. By doing so, you can save up enough money to pay for the repairs. You’ll save a ton of money by not having to pay a professional to come out multiple times, instead only paying them to show up once to handle different problems all at once.
Always use cold water when your garbage disposal is running. Blades will stay sharper with cold water, making disposal quicker. Hot water can liquify grease and cause it to collect in the drain, and that can clog the pipes.
Shower Heads
By installing water-conserving shower heads in your bathrooms, you can save money on your monthly water bill. Your shower consumes a majority of the hot water usage in your home. If you spend several extra dollars putting in energy-saving shower heads, you can potentially reduce your energy bill by $100 or more annually for every shower head used in your home.
Get a good quality replacement shower head. It’s common to think it’s fine to buy the one that is the cheapest. The disadvantage to doing so is that these models are not highly durable and easily break.
The secret to low or even no repair bills from plumbing issues is prevention. Clogs present one of the top reasons for needing a major plumbing repair. Drains are frequently clogged by hair. Putting a strainer on your drain can solve this problem. It’s more convenient to remove hair before it has a chance to get down the drain and into the pipes.
Fix issues with low water pressure by cleaning sediment buildup out of your faucet’s aerator. First, you need to remove the aerator, and then take it apart and clean it using a small brush that has been dipped in vinegar. Then simply rinse and reattach the aerator. Your water pressure should improve because the obstructing particles or buildup have been removed.
There’s no reason to run water while running your garbage disposal. Most plumbers advise that you run water when using your garbage disposal, although many disagree. This could actually make the garbage more sticky and cause more issues.
Don’t use drain cleaners constantly. The chemicals in those kinds of drain cleaners can be corrosive and might damage pipes if you keep using them. Consider hiring a professional when you have drain problems.
Calling a plumber for every issue will add up to a huge bill, so it’s important to deal with small plumbing issues yourself as they arise. Everyone should be ready for common plumbing problems, and have the tools at hand. The tips you have found above should go a long way towards preparing you to deal with a plumbing problem when it occurs.