Water may be needed to live, but it can also be a nemesis to the frustrated homeowner dealing with plumbing problems. There are not many ways to destroy a house faster than to leave a major plumbing problem unfixed.
You plumbing experiences will go much smoother if you know your tools, and have the knowledge of how to use each one. Research the project you are going to attempt online, and read the manuals that come with the tools before you use them. Prior to attempting any repairs, be certain to plan ahead in order to avoid expensive errors.
To eliminate the possibility of having frozen pipes, maintain a constant temperature in your home above freezing, and insulate external pipes. Pipes have the potential to freeze as soon as they reach freezing mark. It takes time in order for the pipes to thaw out so you can have water again. However, frozen pipes often burst, which will cause an enormous mess and repair bill.
Do not attempt fixing your garbage disposal with bare hands. Garbage disposals can be dangerous, even when they are turned off. You can look online to find the diagram for the disposal that you have.
Have a professional flush your septic tank cleaned every five years or so to keep it working well. While it may cost a bit to have your septic tank pumped out, the cost is much higher to have sewage and backups cleaned up and your septic tank repaired or replaced.
Feel the floors around the toilets to see if they are soft; this will help you know if you have any damage. Another great way to check is to actually sit on the toilet and move in a rocking motion, going back and forth from right to left to see how much give you feel. This will save you a lot of trouble and money if you find the issue before something horrible happens.
Do not pay anything until they finish the problem is fixed. You may be required to put some money down before a job is started, but avoid paying the total amount until it’s done. You should make sure that the plumber did a good job before they get your money.
If you have well water and discover orange or pink discoloration on your bathtub or sink, you probably have iron in your water supply. You can deal with use by using a water softener, which is something you can get on your own at a local retailer, or by hiring a professional to come out.
Don’t use harsh chemicals such as toilet tablets that claim to be cleaners in your toilet. These may deodorize, but they can seriously damage the rubber pieces in the toilet, which can prevent your toilet from functioning correctly.
Use baking soda and one cup of vinegar per month to keep the bathtub drain clear and running well. This will cause the vigorous bubbling you may remember from the “volcano” in a grade school science project, so be sure to close the drain with a stopper. Let it sit a few minutes, then wash it all away with boiling water. This simple solution can break up clogs caused by everything from hair to soap scum.
Garbage Disposal
Check your fixtures to ensure the overflow holes are clear of debris and mineral build-up. 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. Clear overflow holes when doing periodic checks for problems and plumbing issues that should be addressed.
Never use your bare hands in your garbage disposal. Even an un-powered garbage disposal is turned off they can be dangerous.You can look online to find the diagram for your garbage disposal.
When it is time to replace your shower head, you should consider paying a little more for a better one. 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.
Pour equal parts baking soda followed by vinegar down your bathtub drain every month. Plug up the opening or cover it with a cloth while the chemical reaction to occur. After giving the mixture time to work,just flush the drain out with water that has reached a boiling point. This method should be able to clear your pipes of accumulated hair and soap scum.
Enzyme-based products are often superior to other options when your drains are clogged. These cleaners use natural bacteria to turn the sludge into a liquid, and remove it from your pipes. The enzyme cleaners are the best on the market.
Ensure that the overflow holes in them. Clear the overflow holes when you are doing periodic checks for problems and plumbing issues that need to be repaired.
The best way to avoid plumbing bills is to prevent problems before they happen. Clogs are one of the main reasons people have to call a plumber. Clogs in drains are often caused by buildups of hair. Put a drain cover or a screen that is made to protect drains over your drain so that hair cannot get in. Most objects will not fall through the drain cover, and even hair usually won’t make it through.
Being knowledgeable and prepared are the best ways to avoid plumbing issues. 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. It’s also true that a homeowner can fix problems smoothly and quickly if he prepares for potential trouble.
If grout is stuck in your plumbing, getting rid of it is likely not going to be a do it yourself project. Grout can be broken up by yourself, however this generally is only a partial fix. This works better when you have plastic pipes as opposed to metal ones. However, this will most likely require a professional to do the job.
