There are lots of things that can go wrong with plumbing. Some plumbing issues are very easy to repair, but many others are much more complicated. No matter what the problem is with your plumbing, you should be educated so when there is an emergency, so that the problem can be fixed in a timely manner.
You don’t want to end up with frozen pipes, so take preventive action, such as wrapping outside pipes with insulation, and keeping indoor temperatures above freezing at all times. Pipes will freeze if they are exposed to temperatures below freezing. It could take some time in order for the pipes to thaw out so that you can have running water. However, they could burst, and that could make a mess and result in a big repair bill.
If a water pipe freezes, turn on a nearby faucet so that thawed ice has a place to go. This will help relieve pressure in pipes to prevent them from bursting, which can prevent further damage to your home.
Never reach into a garbage disposal that you think isn’t working. Garbage disposals are dangerous, even when turned off. Troubleshooting techniques and schematics of your garbage disposal are available on the Internet.
Pump out your septic tank every five years to keep it 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.
Use filters on all drains to prevent debris that might clog the pipes from getting through. The strainer in the kitchen sink should be cleaned each time you have large particles trapped in it. Kitchen filters should be changed often, while bathtub filters can be changed as needed.
Do not pay your plumber until the problem is fixed. You may be required to put some money down before a job is started, though you should not pay the full cost until you can be certain that the job was done correctly. You want to make sure that the plumber did what he promised before they get your money.
Avoid putting grease, fat, and other oils down your drain. They can clog your drains once they cool down. This is primarily true if you are someone who has a garbage disposal; the fats will make the blades go slower and less freely. Get rid of any fat or oils outside or in the garbage can.
If you have a well at your home and notice pink or orange stains around the drains of your tub or sink, it’s because of the iron level in the water. You can deal with use by using a water softener, which you could purchase at a local store, or hire someone to go to your home and fix it for you.
A great way to knock out your plumbing issues in one shot is to schedule everything at once. You might be tempted to contact a plumber every time you face a small problem, but if you have problems repaired all at once, you will have time to save money for the fixes. Another reason it lowers costs is that plumbers bill per hour worked, and due to partial hour effects, doing all the work at once results in lower billable hours.
By regularly using a mixture of dish soap, cherry pits and citrus rinds, you can make sure that your garbage disposal is running well and smelling so clean it could be new.
A great maintenance routine for bathtub drains is to pour baking soda and vinegar into the drain opening once a month. Cover it with a plug or rag, since a chemical reaction should happen in the pipes. Wait a while, and then use boiling water to flush. This should help clear your pipes of accumulated hair and soap scum.
Pour baking soda and vinegar down your bathtub drain once a month. Plug the drain and allow the chemical reaction to occur.After letting it sit for a few moments, flush it out by running boiling water through the drain. This simple solution can break up the pipes by clearing out hair to soap scum.
If you want to try a pipe cleaner because your pipes are obstructed, it is recommended you use a cleaner that is enzyme based. Enzyme based cleaners use “good” bacteria to transform the clog into a liquid, which will remove it from pipes. The cleaners that have enzymes are the best you can buy.
Always use cold water running when your garbage disposal is running. Cold water will allow for the food particles to be properly disposed of while keeping the blades sharp and encourage a smoother disposal.
One costly plumbing repair is frozen pipes. Thankfully, you can prevent your pipes from freezing. First, insulate your outside pipes well. With the onset of colder weather, disconnect and drain any hoses and shut off outside faucets. You can save a bunch on your plumbing bills this way.
As you can see, plumbing can present a whole host of small and large problems. If you use the tips you have just learned, you will have an easier time fixing whatever problems you may encounter.
No matter what plumber you use, you should know a little about him before he comes to the door. Even if your insurance company assigns a plumber to you, you can get online and learn his name and the quality of his work. Though your insurer may determine the plumbing company that will work on your house, you still have the ability to look them up, read customer reviews and prepare for their visit.
