If you haven’t before, then now is the perfect time for you to learn about the ins and outs of plumbing. Maybe you have always wanted to learn a bit about it, but just never had the time available. The excellent tips below will make you very happy you took the time now, especially the next time a basic plumbing issue creeps into your life.
To avoid frozen pipes in your home, never allow the temperature in your house to drop below freezing and insulate any pipes that are exposed to the elements. The pipes will be able to freeze if the temperature surrounding the pipes drops below freezing. It will take a while for the pipes to thaw, leaving you without running water. The worst case scenario is a busted pipe and a costly repair.
Septic Tank
Pump out your septic tank at least every five years to keep it in proper working condition. Having it cleaned out prevents the sediment from accumulating in the septic tank and creating a sewage backup in your house or triggering the meltdown of the entire septic system. It will cost some to have the septic tank pumped, but it would cost much more to have it cleaned, repaired or replaced due to sewage back up.
If you know what tools you should use, it can help you deal with your plumbing problems in the right way. Make sure to read all of your manuals, and use things such as the library and the internet to read up on do it yourself projects. Have everything you need by way of tools and information before you attempt a repair on your own.
Think about what plumbing work you need, then schedule them all at once. It might be tempting to call up a plumber every time you have a small problem, but if you will save all the plumbing issues for one time, it can be helpful. It will allow you save the money for the repairs. Also, combining smaller jobs into one larger job lets the plumber finish his work faster and therefore saves you money.
Overflow Holes
Check overflow holes regularly to prevent blockage. Overflows holes can be used in the event the sink overfills, which is a big problem if they are clogged. Take the time to clean out the overflow holes as you go through your house doing your regular checks for various issues.
If you have any water in your dishwasher that should not be there, check the connection on your kitchen sink. This hose should lead uphill first and then downhill so the water from the sink and the dishwater never mix.
If you are using a slower head, see to it that you replace it with one that has good quality. Some people think that one shower head is like any other, so decide on price alone. Inexpensive shower heads are not terribly sturdy, though, and may not hold up to daily use.
Knowing about basic plumbing is a valuable skill. You will be able to save yourself a bunch of money, plus many of your friends and family members will come to you for advice. The hints and tips you were given were meant to be easy to understand and easy to utilize. With any luck, you learned something of interest that will come in handy when you are repairing, maintaining or updating the plumbing in your own home.