When you have to start repairing and maintaining your plumbing, you might wonder where to start. There are a lot of things to think about after all, from buying tools and equipment to following directions and local regulations. This article will provide you with some tips you can apply as you take on your next plumbing challenge.
You never want to pay for a job until it is complete, and this goes for a plumber as well. Some plumbers may require a deposit, but don’t fork over all the dough until the job is completed to spec. You should know the plumber did his job before you pay him.
Check carefully around the base of your toilet for any damage caused by leaks. Sit on your toilet and sway across both feet to feel if there are any spots less firm than the others. It could potentially save money by discovering any problems before too much damage occurs.
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. You should clean your strainer in your kitchen anytime you have anything in it. Clean out the bathtup strainer every few days before it becomes clogged.
Don’t pour oils, grease or fat down the drain. They can clog your drains once they cool down. Oils are especially damaging to garbage disposals. Dump your oil outside or in a container that you throw out with the regular trash.
If you have well water and discover orange or pink discoloration on your bathtub or sink, you probably have iron in your water supply. You will need a water softener in order to take care of this problem, which you could purchase at a local store, or hire someone to go to your home and fix it for you.
Overflow Holes
Ensure that your sink’s overflow holes are clear. Overflow holes exist to act as a double check in case of an overfilling sink. That may seem unimportant – but it will become a problem if they are clogged. Clear out your sink’s overflow holes every so often, while checking for any other problems or necessary repairs.
Run cold water in your sink when you turn on the garbage disposal. The blades will stay sharper, and the overall disposal process will run smoother. Avoid using hot water, as this will liquefy grease, causing it to build up in the drain and obstruct your pipes.
Superior quality is important when it comes to shower fixtures. Most times, people tend to think that it is alright to purchase the most inexpensive shower head they could find. The problem about this is they aren’t sturdy and they tend to break a lot easier.
The secret to low or even no repair bills from plumbing issues is prevention. One major repair is a drain clog. You can clog your drains with hair. You can prevent hair from getting into your drains by simply installing a device on top of your drain such as a screen, which will trap the hair from getting into the pipes. Getting the hair off the screen is much simpler than removing it from the pipe.
When water pipes freeze, the damage can be extensive and costly. This problem is easily avoided. The most important step is to keep any pipes close to the outside, well insulated. Also, when it starts to get colder, drain and disconnect your hoses and turn off the outside faucet. You can save a bunch on your plumbing bills this way.
As you’ve seen, plumbing can seem intimidating, but it isn’t so tough. You will just need to take care of your basics prior to starting. Once you’ve done a little research, gotten a little practice, and used a little common sense, it will be easy to figure out how to tackle a plumbing job and get it done successfully.