Everyone has moments where they must question their plumbing at some point in time. This article will give you the information that you need for when those plumbing emergencies.
Keep your plumbing flowing by maintaining a temperature above 32 degrees and wrapping up any exposed pipe works. Your plumbing can freeze if the air around it is below 32 degrees. At best, it can take time for them to thaw and for you to be able to have running water. But, they could also burst, causing a mess and a large repair bill.
Noisy pipes that make squeaking or hammering sounds are actually a lot easier to fix than you would imagine. You must anchor any exposed pipe.
If you know what tools you should use, it can help you deal with your plumbing problems in the right way. Make sure you read all the directions and manuals, while also taking advantage of online resources and the library to help you with your projects. Plan properly prior to beginning any type of repair, because fixing a mistake can cost a lot of money.
If a pipe 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 will relieve pressure and might prevent the pipe from bursting, which would reduce the damage done to your house.
You should regularly check for water damage to your bathroom floor caused by your toilet in order to save money and further complications. Feel the floor around the toilet and check to see if the floor is soft, molded, chipping, etc. Sit reversed on the toilet (facing the tank) with your feet on the floor. Rock your weight onto each foot in turn and see if you can feel any weakness or “give” in the floor. You can save a lot if you catch these issue sooner.
Septic Tank
Use a strainer over your sink drain to catch food and other bits of material. Otherwise, you will likely get a clogged drain. Your kitchen sink strainer needs cleaning every time something big gets stuck in it. Kitchen filters should be changed often, while bathtub filters can be changed as needed.
Pump your septic tank every five years to keep it in proper working well. Although it is somewhat of an expense to pump out a septic tank, it will cost a lot more having to clean sewage backup or having to fix or replace a septic tank.
Keep your garbage disposal clean and it will last longer. By regularly incorporating a routine using a combination of dish soap, lemon rinds, and even cherry pits, you can keep your disposal running smoothly and smelling as fresh as the day it was installed.
Knowing your tools and how to use them will make you much better at plumbing. Before attempting any repairs, plan ahead, a mistake could make repairs even more costly.
If you have any plumbing work that needs to be done, schedule it all to be done concurrently. You might be tempted to have a plumber come out for every little thing that happens, but kicking the can on some issues until you have a list means you can save a few bucks. Because plumbers generally round up to the nearest hour, this also allows you to save money. The time only gets rounded up once, rather than multiple times.
If your toilet is clogged, your plunger is not fixing it, you can pour a bucket of hot water down the toilet, but be sure to pour it from a height that is waist level or above so you do not flood the bathroom. Repeat this procedure if necessary as the water goes back to a lower level.
Run cold water in your sink when you turn on the garbage disposal. Blades will stay sharper with cold water, making disposal quicker. If you use hot water it will liquefy the grease, allowing it to accumulate in your drain causing your pipes to clog.
Avoid dumping oil, fat, and other oils down your drain. This is especially damaging to garbage disposals because the fats will make the blades turn more slowly and less efficiently. Make sure you dispose of oils in other places other than the sink.
Enzyme-based products are often superior to other options when your drains are clogged. These natural bacteria cleaners turn sludge into liquid, and then remove it from the pipes. The cleaners that have enzymes are the best you can buy.
It’s important to learn a bit about plumbing before there is an emergency. If you keep an eye on your plumbing system regularly, you’ll notice issues before they become major concerns. Remember the tips in this article to be able to handle your plumbing at home.
Sometimes low pressure in water lines can be fixed just by cleaning sediment out of the aerator. After removing the aerator, disassemble it, and use a small brush that’s been dipped in vinegar to clean it. Rinse the aerator with water, put it back together and then attach it back onto the faucet. Doing so will assist in increasing water pressure since obstructions in the aerator are removed in this process.
