If you have never owned a house before, it is crucial to know that plumbing problems may happen quite soon after buying a new home. Most plumbing problems are found in the kitchen and bathroom. Really, at some point every homeowner will deal with some kind of plumbing problem. Some jobs can be done by the homeowner for a huge savings, so here is some advice to show you how.
When it gets very cold, your pipes may freeze. If it does, relieve the pressure in the pipe by turning on the tap so the water can be released as the pipe thaws. This gives the pressure somewhere to go, and can keep them from bursting.
Never pay a plumber until the job is complete. You may have to put money down before they start working, but avoid paying the total amount until it’s done. You need to know the plumber did what he promised before he is reimbursed for the entire amount.
Use a strainer over your sink drain to catch food and other bits of material. Otherwise, you will likely get a clogged drain. Clean debris from these strainers after each use. Those in the bathtub should be cleaned out periodically, as needed.
Orange or pink discoloration on your bathroom fixtures is a solid indication that your water contains too much iron. Water softener can help this problem, and you can buy that at a store. Alternatively, you can hire someone to handle it.
Overflow Holes
Do special checks on your sink overflow holes to ensure they are not becoming clogged. 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. Inspect and clean the overflow holes as part of your regular household maintenance.
Flush your drain with a constant stream of cold water when operating your drain mounted disposal unit. Cold water keeps the blades sharpened, giving you optimal performance whenever it is used. Hot water liquifies grease and causes it to buildup in the drain, causing clogs in the pipes.
Do not flush unneeded things down your toilet if you want to lessen your chance of having issues. Do not flush things like paper towels, sanitary pads, tissues, diapers, cotton balls or anything else that might cause the toilet to get clogged. As well, keep your toilet paper usage to as little as possible.
Prevention is vital for avoiding costly repairs to your plumbing. One of the most common repairs involves fixing drain clogs. You can clog your drains with hair. Use a drain cover to keep hair and other elements from going down your pipes. It’s more convenient to remove hair before it has a chance to get down the drain and into the pipes.
Fix low water pressure by cleaning out the aerator to clean out sediment buildup. Remove the aerator, and then take it apart so it can be cleaned with a brush that has been dipped in vinegar. After cleaning it, put the aerator back together and put it back on the faucet. Doing so will assist in increasing water pressure since obstructions in the aerator are removed in this process.
Try to avoid the use of dry cleaners as often as you can. There are some harsh, corrosive chemicals found in these drain cleaners. That’s why they work so well to knock out clogs. Over time, they will corrode your pipes. Sometimes, finding a professional to fix a blocked drain is the best way to solve the problem.
When you have a problem with the plumbing, the worst thing to do is not be prepared. If you own a home, you should have some basic plumbing equipment, and the knowledge of how to use it. If you ever experience plumbing problems, the above advice can help you to solve them calmly and with confidence.