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Handy DIY Plumbing Tips For The Homeowner

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TIP! If you have pipes that sound as if they’re squeaking or hammering, it’s an easy fix. What you will have to do is anchor any pipes that are exposed.

Well-maintained plumbing is key in keeping your home free from damage. Sometimes, your plumbing needs attention and you may not be able to afford a plumber or it may be a bad time to call one. The tips provided below will teach you some great ways in which you can easily handle issues with the plumbing in your home.

TIP! To eliminate the possibility of having frozen pipes, maintain a constant temperature in your home above freezing, and be certain to adequately insulate those pipes that are out in the weather. If the ambient temperature around the pipes is below freezing, the pipes can freeze.

Frozen pipes are on of the worst plumbing problems. Prevent the pipes from freezing by insulating any sections of pipe that are close to the outside walls, and never allowing the temperature inside to be below freezing. The pipes may freeze if the surrounding temperature drops below freezing. It can take a while for the pipes to thaw, which means you will not be able to run water for quite some time. However, your pipes can explode, as well – making a huge plumbing bill.

TIP! If any water pipe that you have freezes, be sure to turn on the faucet that is closes to the pipe to give the water an exit as the pipe thaws. This gives the pressure somewhere to go, and can keep them from bursting.

Don’t give a plumber the total bill payment upfront; pay them only when they have finished the job. You may need to pay some money in the beginning, though you should not pay the full cost until you can be certain that the job was done correctly. This ensures that the plumber fully completes the job before getting paid.

TIP! A great tip to use to stop your septic tank from backing up is to make sure you have it pumped at least every five years. This prevents sediment from building up in the tank and causing a backup into your home or causing the failure of the septic system itself.

Knowing all your different tools and how they are used will be a great help when you work on a plumbing job. Use as many resources as you need, such as online or the library, to find the right information to repair your plumbing issues. Have a sound plan going into any do it yourself repair attempt, since mistakes will cost you dearly in money, time and stress.

TIP! Do not attempt fixing your garbage disposal with bare hands. Even if the disposal is turned off, it can still be hazardous.

It’s a bad idea to makes use of toilet tablets composed of bleach or in the color blue, or in fact any one designed to remove odors. Both of these may help to eliminate odors from your toilet, but it can also damage the rubber parts of your toilet, causing it to not function probably, or even to break down completely.

TIP! Sifting drainers are available for any size drain to prevent items larger than a grain of sand going into your pipes. Your kitchen sink strainer needs cleaning every time something big gets stuck in it.

If you have a clogged toilet with the water level very low, and plunging it isn’t working, it’s possible to resolve this by pouring warm water from a bucket directly into the toilet bowl from about waist level. The water needs to be at a low level again in order to repeat the process.

TIP! If your house uses well water and there are orange or pink stains in tubs or sinks, it’s because of the iron level in the water. A water softener is the easiest way to solve hard water problems relating to rust, but you can also consult a plumber if you are unsure.

Check floors around toilets for softness, so you can tell if you have any floor damage. Sit on the toilet and move from side to side, placing one foot on the ground. As you do, see if the floor lacks sturdiness or feels otherwise soft. You can save money by noticing and treating this problem as early as possible.

Overflow Holes

TIP! 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.

Be sure that the overflow holes don’t clog up. Sinks use overflow holes if they start to overfill, and this isn’t usually a problem, but it can be. 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.

TIP! The best way to avoid plumbing bills is to prevent problems before they happen. A common serious repair is removing clogs in the drain.

Many shower heads are available that can help you to save money on your water bill. You use the majority of your hot water in the shower. Water-conserving shower heads are relatively affordable, but using them can save you a great deal of money within a single year.

TIP! Cleaning the aerator will fix low water pressure issues that are caused from sediment buildup. You need to remove, disassemble, and clean the aerator with vinegar and a small brush.

When you replace your shower head, be sure that the replacement head is high quality. Many times people try to save money and buy the cheapest one that they see. However, cheap parts don’t work as well and break down more quickly.

TIP! Don’t rely on drain cleaners too much. Drain cleaners contain very corrosive chemicals that can damage pipes if used too frequently.

An expensive plumbing issue to pay for repairs is when your pipes freeze. However, most of the time, you can prevent this from happening. Make sure that any outdoor pipes are well insulated. In addition, as the weather turns colder, make it a point to drain and detach your hoses. Finally, turn off the faucet located outside. You can avoid future plumbing repairs by doing this, and therefore, saving you a lot of money.

TIP! Rarely used valves can fuse together. You can prevent them from becoming fused by regularly maintaining them with a penetrating oil, and running water through them on a regular basis.

Fix low water pressure by cleaning out the aerator to clean out sediment buildup. Remove the aerator, take it apart, and clean with a small brush dipped in vinegar. Finally, rinse off the aerator, put it back together and then reattach it to your faucet. By removing any grit, grime and debris from the aerator, the water pressure should significantly increase.

TIP! Pick the drain cleaner you use carefully. There are some that contain strong chemicals that can actually cause damage to your pipes.

If you have plumbing problems caused by grout in the water lines, it is best not to attempt to fix it yourself. You can try dislodging some of the blockage which will open up the line. This is much easier if your pipes are plastic, rather than metal. However, usually you will need the services of a professional to get rid of this problem.

TIP! If you are switching out an old water heater for a new one and you see a pipe connected to the drainage pipe, take the time to connect that pipe. This is probably what is called a recirculation pipe.

Don’t run the water when the garbage disposal is used. It is a common misconception that water will aid in flushing the food down the drain. However, some advice that it can prevent garbage sticking to your disposal, preventing damage. Read your product guide for instructions.

TIP! A regular old pipe snake could be all it takes to clean out a clogged drain stack on your washing machine. On occasion, you will find that small items and lint from your washing machine could be built up in the washing machine pipe, which could cause clogging or back up.

If you need to remove a clean out plug, and you are not having much luck, there are two methods used to help you do this. First, you can hammer a chisel around the fitting base to loosen it. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to break through the plug itself.

TIP! If you notice water dripping or signs of water staining on your walls, you should immediately turn off your water supply and notify a plumber. This could mean that you have some serious plumbing issues.

It may be that you cannot control which plumber is sent to your house, though it is possible to read up on their qualifications. Take advantage of customer feedback on your insurance carriers website. This will give you a greater level of comfort than going into it blind.

TIP! Plumbers earn a very good wage, so hiring an apprentice can be a great idea. This has two advantages.

When you want to unclog a drain, it’s better not to use chemical drain openers. These chemicals can open your drain but they also may hurt you if you get them on your skin. If you must use them, wear long sleeves and gloves.

Plumbing Problems

TIP! If you have multiple plumbing issues that need addressed, group them all together for one call or visit to save yourself dollars and hours. Before phoning for an appointment, create a list of all of the plumbing problems that are occurring.

As stated from above, there are lots of tricks and tips one can use to repair plumbing problems in your home. If you use these tips, you will be able to fix the vast majority of your plumbing problems without needing to call in a professional.


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