Once you own a home, you can expect problems to arise with your plumbing sooner or later. You’ll find them in the bathroom, kitchen, or basement, but hopefully not in the walls! Eventually, nearly every homeowner has to face one type of plumbing issue or another. Using the following tips will help you with plumbing issues.
You need to avoid using any kind of tablet or odor remover in your toilet if at all possible. They can clean the bowl and remove odors, but they also damage the soft plastic and rubber parts in and around your toilet.
If you have a clogged toilet and a plunger is not helping to clear the blockage, if the water level is low, pouring a bucking of boiling water from a height into the toilet bowl could resolve the problem. Do this as often as necessary if the water level dips back down again.
If your home runs on well water and you notice any orange or pink stains in your fixtures or tub, this is because of iron in your 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.
Garbage Disposal
If you want to make sure your garbage disposal is going to be around as long as the house it is inside of, make sure you clean it often. Keep your garbage disposal fresh and running by using dish soap, cherry pits and lemon rinds regularly.
Ensure that the overflow holes in your sinks are not clogged. Overflow holes exist to act as a double check in case of an overfilling sink. That may seem unimportant – but it will become a problem if they are clogged. When checking for potential problems and repairs, you should also remove obstructions from the overflow holes.
If you operate the disposal on your sink, run plenty of cool water. Cold water will allow for the food particles to be properly disposed of while keeping the blades sharp. If you use hot water instead of cold, it will turn any fat into liquid and cause the fat to clog your pipes when it later cools and solidifies.
Shower Heads
To save a significant amount of cash on your energy bill, install energy-efficient shower heads in all of your showers. Hot water usage is mostly in the shower. Investing just a few bucks in these newer shower heads can yield triple digit annual savings.
To keep possible toilet problems as small as possible, you should prevent using it like it’s a trash can. Nothing should be flushed down the toilet except human waste and toilet tissue. Flushing sanitary napkins, diapers, disposable napkins, and other materials is a sure recipe for a clogged drain and a backed-up toilet. Reduce your use of toilet paper if you notice frequent clogs.
Lint Trap
Make sure to clean out the dryers lint trap. This will ensure that your dryer operates efficiently and prevents fires. Always check your lint trap for damage, such as holes or tears. This could allow lint to enter your pipes, leading to clogs or other plumbing complications.
When you have a problem with the plumbing, the worst thing to do is not be prepared. Anyone who owns a home needs to have a small arsenal of tools and tips at their disposal, just in case. The helpful advice you learned from this article will help you when you have a plumbing issue.