Plumbing issues can damage both your home and your household goods. Here are some tips to help you begin fixing whatever plumbing problems you may need help with.
If you know what tools you should use, it can help you deal with your plumbing problems in the right way. Read the instructions, which many people overlook, and check out the internet which has many resources to help with plumbing issues. Before undertaking repairs on your own, you should have a plan; otherwise, a mistake could make repairs even more costly.
To prevent pipes in your house from freezing, do not let the temperature in the house dip below freezing. Also, any pipes exposed to the cold should be insulated. If the temperature surrounding these pipes is below the freezing point, your pipes could freeze. It takes time for thawing to occur so you can have water again. The other option is the pipes may burst, which would result in significant repair costs and a mess to clean up.
If your house uses well water and you start to see orange or pink stains in your tub and other water fixtures, you have too much iron in your water. 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.
To maintain your garbage disposal and avoid malfunction, you should regularly clean it. You can prevent annoying odors and promote smooth operation by setting up a regular cleaning routine with lemon rinds, dish soap, and even cherry pits.
Baking Soda
To maintain a clean, well-functioning septic tank, it is recommended that you clean it out once every five years. Doing so avoids sediment build up, so that you don’t have any kind of septic system backup. It is a small price to pay now to keep your septic in good working order and prevent having to pay for a major repair caused by a backup.
You can pour baking soda down a drain followed by some vinegar if you want to keep drains clear. This should be done once a month, and a cup each of baking soda and vinegar should be used. Cover the drain up with a plug or old rag, as there will be a chemical reaction in the pipes. Wait a while, then flush it with boiling water. This simple solution can break up clogs caused by everything from hair to soap scum.
Check the overflow holes for clogs. If your sink starts to overflow, the water will run into the overflow holes, this might not be a huge issue, unless they are clogged. Clean overflow holes as part of your annual maintenance, and any other time you are handling general plumbing repairs.
Don’t use your toilet as a wastebasket to keep potential problems to a minimum. Never flush paper towels, tissue, diapers, or tampons. These things do not break up correctly and can clog your pipes. Also, you want to use the least amount of toilet paper to clean yourself.
If you discover a problem with the garbage disposal, don’t ever reach into it with your hands to attempt to fix it. Even an un-powered garbage disposal presents significant danger. Search online for a troubleshooting manual for your disposal.
Don’t skimp on quality when it’s time to replace that shower head. There are some who think that low price is all that matters when buying fixtures for the bathroom. The problem with this is that they are not very sturdy and can break much easier.
If you have clogged pipes, try cleaning them with an enzyme pipe cleaner. Enzyme based cleaners work by using natural bacteria that turns the sludge clogged in your pipes into a liquid, allowing it to flow down the drain with ease. Enzyme cleaners are efficient and will not damage your pipes.
If you get grout stuck in the plumbing, it’s going to be very difficult to remove by yourself. The grout can be broken up however it is not an easy task to do by yourself. This works much better if your home has pipes made of plastic. However, ultimately it usually requires a professional to rid you of this problem.
Do not use your toilet to get rid of garbage. Don’t put disposable sanitary objects down the toilet. The sewage system cannot deal with these items and will become clogged. Additionally, use the minimum amount of toilet paper required to clean up after you are done.
Running cold water while using your garbage disposal is recommended even though some people insist that you don’t have to. It is a common misconception that water will aid in flushing the food down the drain. The opposite is actually true. The running water can cause the disposal to clog, causing a plumbing problem.
Drain Cleaners
Try not to use drain cleaners too often, it at all. Compounds that are ingredients in common drain cleaners are quite corrosive and can cause pipe damage if overused. Especially in cases where you have a drain that clogs repeatedly, getting a professional plumber in to examine the situation may be your best option.
Frozen pipes can cause some very expensive plumbing repair jobs. This, however, is typically preventable. Insulate your outside pipes. When colder weather is approach, disconnect your garden hoses and make sure the outside water fixtures are turned off. You can save a bunch on your plumbing bills this way.
There are two ways to remove clean out plugs. The first method is by using a chisel and hammer to try to loosen the fitting. The only other method is to take the chisel and use it right through the plug.
If there is sewage backing up in your toilet, it is probably due to blockage in a branch between the sewage and main lines. If you can’t manage this blockage, a plumber can put a snake through to clear it out.
Valves that are rarely used tend to fuse together. Apply penetrating oil on a regular basis, and turn it so as to stop it from seizing.
If grout has gotten stuck in the line, trying to clean it out yourself is probably not the best idea. Do your best to break it up and flush it down. This works best with plastic pipes as opposed to metal. However, this problem usually requires the help of a plumber.
Most people don’t know much about plumbing, so they pay ghastly prices for plumbing services. If you own a home, you should be educated in what the professional is doing. By gaining this education, you can protect yourself from getting ripped off by a shady plumber.
Plumbing issues can be bothersome, but with perseverance and hard work, they can be fixed. You just have to research this, and maybe ask a plumber for advice on how to repair it correctly. Keep the above tips handy to save time, money and effort.