Plumbing problems pose a headache for the homeowner that is not familiar with plumbing problems. There are, of course, licensed plumbers, but they usually can’t come to your house right away and charge an arm and a leg to fix simple issues. Continue on for information to help simply your plumbing problems!
Septic Tank
If you discover a pipe has frozen, open a tap on the line to allow the thawing ice to drain. This will relive some of the pressure, and could prevent cracks from appearing.
Having your septic tank pumped out on a regular basis will keep it functioning properly. Having your septic pumped will keep sediments from settling to the bottom of the septic tank and causing the tank to malfunction or backup. Although it is somewhat of an expense to pump out a septic tank, it is nothing compared to what you will have to spend on cleaning up a backup of sewage or repairing or replacing your septic system.
Learning the basics is important with plumbing problems, including how to use the common plumbing tools. Read each and every manual, and utilize the information that can be found in libraries and the Internet about do-it-yourself projects. Before attempting any repairs, plan ahead, or you may make a costly mistake.
Don’t use any colored tablets that claim to be cleaners in your toilet. The rubber parts of your system can be damaged by the chemicals contained in these tablets and stop functioning.
Put the strainer on top of drains to catch any food that would go down and cause a clog. You should clean your strainer in your kitchen anytime you have anything in it. Keep the bathroom drains cleaned out too.
Garbage Disposal
Cleaning your in-sink garbage disposal can extend its lifetime significantly. Create a routine that uses both normal soaps and natural materials like cherry pits of lemon rinds. With this, you’ll be able to keep your garbage disposal running and smelling like new.
Try to have all your plumbing repairs done at once. If a problem is minor, it can be wise to put off repair until you have more than one item to fix. This also gives you time to save up for the needed repairs. It also costs less because most plumbers will charge you per hour and include a minimum rate for coming out. If you call them out multiple times, those charges for them coming out will add up quickly.
Keep the drains in your bathtub working properly by pouring a cup’s worth of baking soda and than a cup’s worth of vinegar directly down your drain every month. Cover the drain with an old rag, because there will be a chemical reaction taking place inside the pipes. Let it sit a few minutes, then wash it all away with boiling water. Doing this will clear your pipes of any soap scum or hair that has accumulated.
A great maintenance routine for bathtub drains is to pour baking soda and vinegar into the drain opening once a month. Put a rag over the drain afterward, though, to keep the chemicals from coming back up after the reaction. Let it sit a few minutes, then wash it all away with boiling water. Doing this will help rid your pipes of disgusting soap scum and blockages.
Overflow Holes
Be sure that the overflow holes don’t clog up. Overflow holes catch the excess water from an overflowing sink. They may not sound like a matter of great importance until you actually need them. Clear out your sink’s overflow holes every so often, while checking for any other problems or necessary repairs.
Always have cold water running when you are using your garbage disposal. The cold water helps the blades that are inside stay sharp, and will keep your disposal running smoothly. Hot water liquifies grease and causes it to buildup in the drain, causing clogs in the pipes.
It is important to always run cold water while using your garbage disposal. The cold water will help keep the blades nice and sharp and will allow for a much smoother disposal. Don’t use hot water while running the garbage disposal. Hot water converts the grease in your trash to liquid form. When the liquified grease goes down the drain, it clogs the pipes.
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!