Water is important to all life forms, but it is sometimes a nemesis to a homeowner with plumbing problems. There are not many ways to destroy a home’s structure than a major plumbing problem.
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. Obviously, frozen pipes occur due to freezing environmental conditions. It will take a while for the pipes to thaw, leaving you without running water. They could also burst costing you a lot of money and repairs.
Have a professional flush your septic tank every five years to keep it in prime condition. 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.
Know your plumbing tools and exactly how to use them before you start on any plumbing repair. Use manuals and online sites to get informed before doing a plumbing project yourself. Have a sound plan going into any do it yourself repair attempt, since mistakes will cost you dearly in money, time and stress.
Do not pay your plumber 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 need to know the plumber did his job before you pay him.
Avoid using any tablets that are meant to reduce odor in and around your toilet. It may help to get rid of your toilet’s odors, but it will damage any rubber parts, causing your toilet to malfunction, or even break down.
Knowing what tools are what and how to use them will make you much better at plumbing. Be sure to plan before starting a repair, it could very expensive to fix the mistake.
Check floors around toilets for softness, so you can tell if you have any floor damage. You can check for softness or weakness in the floor by placing one foot on each side of the toilet and rocking back and forth. It’s important to catch and address floor damage problems as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more expensive the repair will be.
Don’t use any colored tablets 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.
Orange or pink discoloration on your bathroom fixtures is a solid indication that your water contains too much iron. You can combat this by using a water softener. You can either purchase it at a store, or hire a company to come to your house to set it up for you.
Schedule one plumber to take care of all your plumbing work at the same time. You might be tempted to call the plumber every time you need something fixed, but if you wait and hire the plumber for a single visit, you will have time to save money for the fixes. Most plumbers have an hourly rate and a flat rate for the trip: asking a plumber to fix multiple problems in one visit to your home.
To keep your garbage disposal working at its best, use plenty of cold water when you turn it on. Cold water keeps blades sharp and allows for smoother disposal. If you use hot water, any grease in the disposal will turn into liquid, while causes pipe clogging.
Pour baking soda and vinegar down your bathtub drain once a month. Plug up the opening or cover it with a cloth while the chemical reaction takes place. Wait a while, then flush the pipes by pouring in a kettle full of boiling water. This procedure will clear the hair and soap scum.
You can save a lot of money in your energy bills by putting in efficient shower heads. Most of the hot water we use is in the shower. Install energy saving faucets throughout your home and you can recapture your cost within the year.
Shower Heads
Do not flush unneeded things down your toilet if you want to lessen your chance of having issues. 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. Also, be conservative in your use of toilet paper.
Installing efficient shower heads can save you a lot of money on your energy bill. Most of the hot water used in our showers. If you spend several extra dollars putting in energy-saving shower heads, you can realize savings of approximately $100 each year for each shower head.
Having to repair pipes that freeze could be very costly. Thankfully, you can prevent your pipes from freezing. First, insulate your outside pipes well. Before winter hits, turn off the water to the outside faucet and drain and store all of your hoses. A bit of prevention prevents a costly plumbing bill.
If the hose that leads to your kitchen sink has not been maintained or installed properly, it’s probably due to the kitchen sink’s hose being improperly installed. The hose connecting the kitchen sink to your dishwasher needs to go upward before going back down so that there is no mixing between fixtures.
Check your faucets outdoors for drips before the first winter freeze. If your faucets are dripping, you must fix them before the first freeze. Regardless of the material of your particular pipes, whether it be copper, steel or plastic, water pressure from freezing water will cause pipes to crack. Even the most minute crack can cause a big enough leak to create flooding or water damage and mold in your home.
Don’t flush items like paper towels, sanitary napkins, tissues, because these items don’t break down and may cause clogging issues.
Everyone in your family should know exactly where your home’s main water shut off valve is and how to use it. There should be a nearby water meter. Toilets, sinks and some other fixtures can have cut off valves of their own. Show everyone where these valves are, and make sure they know how to switch them off in the case of a crisis.
Be sure to clean your dryer’s lint trap is clean.This will ensure that your dryer operates efficiently and may also prevent fires. Be sure to check the trap for tears and rips, which can cause clogs and issues.
If you choose to use drain cleaner, select it carefully. Some of the chemicals used in these products can damage pipes. Always be sure to pick a brand that has been announced that it is gentle on pipes. Harsh chemicals can destroy the helpful bacteria in your system which will lead to other problems and many chemicals are very harmful to humans.
Plumbing Issues
It is inadvisable to use drain openers containing harsh chemicals in order to open a clogged drain. These products do help open a clogged drain, but the chemicals they contain may damage the body, and this is especially true if it gets on the skin. Wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt if you absolutely must use them.
Becoming educated on plumbing and preparing beforehand can help prevent future issues. A homeowner who learns about plumbing will make wiser decisions and be able to avoid dangerous plumbing issues. Indeed, those who proactively understand plumbing issues are far more likely to be able to solve a problem as soon as it occurs.
Stringy and tough foods like celery, banana peels and chicken skin won’t grind well and clog the plumbing. Throw these kinds of foods away rather than risking ruining your disposal.
