Water’s the source of life, but can be the arch nemesis of those with plumbing problems. Few issues, short of a natural disaster, can cause more damage to a house than a serious plumbing fault. Luckily, homeowners have a lot of ways to avoid plumbing issues and ways to minimize the effects of those issues when they happen.
Obnoxiously loud pipes that like to squeal and hammer are easy situations to correct. Exposed pipes need to be anchored. If these pipes on the ceiling, or in the floors or walls, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you finish the project.
In order to prevent any pipes within your home from freezing, you should never let the home temperature get below freezing. Always insulate pipes exposed to elements. It is easy for pipes to freeze whenever the mean temperature near the pipes drop below freezing. The best result you can hope for from frozen pipes is to be without water until the pipes thaw. However, frozen pipes commonly break or crack pipes, leading to flooding and costly repairs.
Pour baking soda and vinegar down your bathtub drain every month. Cover it with a plug or rag, because a chemical reaction is sure to occur in your pipes. Wait for a little while and then allow boiling water to go down the drain. This should help clear your pipes of accumulated hair and soap scum.
Overflow Holes
Check overflow holes regularly to prevent blockage. The overflow holes are there to make sure the sink doesn’t overfill, which can become a problem if they are blocked. Clean overflow holes as part of your annual maintenance, and any other time you are handling general plumbing repairs.
Knowing what tools are what and the proper way to use them will make you much better at plumbing. Read manuals and do some research on the internet before starting a plumbing project. Have a good grasp of what you’re attempting to do before you do it, so you don’t have to repair your repair.
Installing shower heads that are more effective can save you a lot on your energy head. Most households use a lot of hot water in the shower. When you invest in energy-efficient shower heads, you will save around $100 a year for every shower head.
Superior quality is important when it comes to shower fixtures. Some people think it’s alright to get the cheapest head for your shower in the store. The problem with this is that they are not very sturdy and can break much easier.
Lint Trap
You should make sure that the holes are not stopped up on the overflow. 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. When you do periodic checks for any other problems or repairs that are needed, take the time to clear the holes that are there to protect you from overflow.
The dryer has a lint trap that must be kept clean. This is preventative maintenance that will prevent many problems, including fires. Be sure you inspect your lint trap for tears or holes that could mean lint is going into your pipes, which can cause clogs and issues.
Do not attempt to remove grout from your plumbing. You can try to break it up to send it on down the line. Having plastic pipes rather metal pipes will work a lot better. You may eventually have to get a professional to solve this problem.
Keep from using harsh drain cleaners. Their chemicals are extremely corrosive, and they may damage your pipes if used too often. If your drain frequently blocks, then call a professional to see what the real problem is, and get it solved once and for all.
You should always clean your dryer’s lint trap. This will help your dryer to work better and may also prevent fires. Be sure to inspect the lint screen for any tears or holes. That could result in lint traveling down your pipes, and that may result in clogs and other issues that have to be dealt with.
The actual individual plumber coming out to your home might not be something you have a say in, but that does not mean you can’t look them up online. Check out your plumber’s website and read all of the reviews that are available.
Check your toilet regularly for leaks. A simple way to check this is to put a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. Then, observe the bowl. If the water turns the same color as the food coloring, you know there is some sort of leak that must be fixed right away.
Valves that are used only infrequently sometimes fuse together. Apply penetrating oil on a regular basis, and turn it so as to stop it from seizing.
One plumbing repair that costs a lot of money is frozen pipes. Fortunately, such damage is easy to prevent. The first thing to do is make sure that all of the outside pipes are well insulated. When it gets colder, disconnect and drain the hoses and turn the outside faucet off. Be proactive about this and save on future repair bills.
Consult your Department of Consumer Affair if you’re looking to hire a plumbing contractor. They provide many useful services, such as the ability to file a service complaint review complaints, and confirm that they are licensed. They need to have a valid license, or they should not do any work in homes.
Many individuals have no idea what is involved in plumbing, so they willingly spend large amounts of money to have a plumber make repairs. If you own your own home, then it behooves you to understand plumbing concepts to the degree that you can assess a professional plumber’s work. This also helps you to not get ripped off.
If you are putting in a water heater make sure that the pipe that is connected to the drainage pipe is reconnected. These pipes help to recirculate the water in the tank, keeping it hot while using less water and energy.
Always know in your mind exactly where the valve is that will cut the water off on your property. The water meter for your property should be close to it. Sinks, toilets and other fixtures may also have their own cut-off valves. Inform all the members of your family where they can find the valve, and also show them how to shut them off if they are leaking.
Washing Machine
You can use a plumber’s snake on your washing machine drain if it needs it, as well as on sink drains. Lint can transfer from a washing machine to the pipes and clog them.
If you notice a leak somewhere in your walls, turn off the water supply, and contact a plumber at once. This could mean that you have some serious plumbing issues. This sort of problem could cause a flood, a mold problem or a mildew infestation.
Don’t use chemical drain opener to unclog drains. These chemicals can open your drain but they also may hurt you if you get them on your skin. If you insist on using them, wear gloves and long sleeved shirts.
Knowing how plumbing works, having a good idea of how to fix things, and keeping basic plumbing materials at hand will help avoid major plumbing problems. The savvy homeowner who takes the time to learn even a little about plumbing is better able to make good decisions while avoiding plumbing situations that could become dangerous. Also, those who are educated on plumbing can fix issues easier.