There are lots of problems that can go wrong with plumbing. Some plumbing problems require only a simple fix; however, while others can become quite a bit more difficult. No matter what your particular case may be, you should be educated so when there is an emergency, so that the problem can be fixed in a timely manner.
You can resolve most toilet clogs yourself. Try a plunger first. If plunging the toilet doesn’t seem to clear up a clog, check the toilet’s water level. If it’s too low, try filling a bucket with warm water. Open the toilet’s tank, and pour the water in. Repeat this procedure if necessary as the water returns back to a lower level.
If you discover a frozen water pipe, turn on the tap to the faucet nearest the pipe so that the water has somewhere to exit as the pipe thaws. This gives the pressure somewhere to go, and keeps it from bursting.
If your garbage disposal is giving you problems, never stick your hand in it to fix it yourself. Garbage disposals are not healthy places for hands to be, even if they are not running. Use the web to locate a diagram or users manual for your device.
Have a professional flush 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.
Check for softness in your floor to determine flood damage. Sit on your toilet and sway across both feet to feel if there are any spots less firm than the others. By noticing a problem early on, you can save yourself a bunch of money if you were to leave it alone.
Do not pay anything until they finish the job.You might have to give them a deposit, but you never want to pay the entire amount until you are certain the job was completed to your satisfaction. You should make sure the plumber completed everything that they said they would before they get your money.
A strainer positioned over a drain can prevent stoppage by collecting food particles as they try to enter the drain. Thoroughly clean the strainer on a regular basis. You should also clean your bathtub strainer any time it is slow to drain.
Knowing all your different tools to use and how they are used will be a great help when you work on a plumbing job. Before attempting any repairs, plan ahead, a mistake could make repairs even more costly.
If you have well water and discover orange or pink discoloration on your bathtub or sink, you probably have iron in your water supply. A water softener can cure this problem and can be installed by you, or you may opt to have a professional to come and install it for you.
If your toilet gets clogged, the water level in the toilet is low, and the plunger is not working, you may be able to resolve the problem by pouring a bucket of warm water into the toilet from waist level or higher. Do this every time the water level dips back down again.
You should always clean your dryer’s lint trap. This can prevent various problems, including a fire. Also, check the lint trap to see if there are telltale signs that lint may be leaking into your pipes through holes and tears.
If you get your water from a well and orange or pink stains appear in your sink or tub, this is because of iron in your water. This is fixed by using water softener, which you can buy at a store, or you can have someone come to your home and fix it.
Stay away from drain cleaners if possible. There are some harsh, corrosive chemicals found in these drain cleaners. That’s why they work so well to knock out clogs. Over time, they will corrode your pipes. Rather than using drain cleaners, hire a plumber to fix your blockage problems.
Pour baking soda followed by 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 for a little while, then flush it with boiling water. This should be able to clear pipes of hair and soap scum.
The clean out plug can sometimes be difficult to remove, and if you are having problems, there are two approaches to fixing this problem The first approach to use is taking a hammer and chisel to see if you can get the fitting loose. Your only other choice is chiseling directly through the actual plug itself.
You can drastically reduce your utility bills with efficient shower heads. Most households use a lot of hot water is consumed in the shower. By installing an energy-efficient shower head that might cost a few dollars, you can save up to $100 or more a year per shower head in your house.
Sometimes you have no choice in what plumber you have scheduled, but you can still research them online. 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.
Kitchen Sink
If you find yourself needing a plumber, don’t hire one until you have checked out his or her credentials. A plumber with bad credentials might not be experienced enough to fix your problem. Always look into a plumber’s reviews or talk to people you trust, such as family and friends.
If there is unwanted water draining into the dishwasher, the problem is most likely a hose running to your kitchen sink that was not correctly installed. The hose connecting the kitchen sink to your dishwasher has to go upward before going back down so that there is no mixing between fixtures.
Inspect your toilet regularly to ensure that it isn’t leaking. A simple way to check this is to put a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. If colored water appears in the toilet bowl, this means your toilet is leaking.
Clean your dryer’s lint filter. 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.
When winter is on the horizon, it is particularly important to check your outside water fixtures to ensure they aren’t leaking or dripping. If your faucets are dripping, you must fix them before the first freeze. Whatever the material of your pipes, freezing water causes pressure that can make them crack. Even the smallest of cracks can leak enough to damage or flood your home.
Don’t run the water when the garbage disposal. In some cases, water can actually cause garbage to become lodged in awkward places, which can create more damage.
Be aware of the location of the main water shutoff valve on your property. There will be a water meter there or nearby. Look for additional cut-off valves for you indoor equipment, such as toilets, sinks or any other water source. Give all family members information about where these valves are located, and show them how to shut them off should an emergency occur.
Drain Cleaners
For some folks, plumbing can cause anxiety since they think it is something which can cause major damage to their home. However, if you have the right knowledge you can prevent major problems. To save your house from water damage, you must know how to locate and shut off the water register quickly.
Don’t rely on drain cleaners if you can avoid it. Drain cleaners contain caustic and damaging chemicals that can destroy your pipes if used too much. If you discover that you have a blocked drain, it is better to hire a professional to see what is causing it.
If your washing machine’s drain stack overflows, use a standard snake to fix it. Lint, coins, paper and other small items can get expelled in the wash, leading to a drain clog.
Sometimes, the plumber is chosen by an insurance company without your input, but that doesn’t mean that looking him up on Angie’s List or a similar site isn’t a good idea.Your insurance company may schedule a plumber for you, you will be more prepared.
It is imperative that you turn off your water right away and phone a plumber if water appears to be dripping or seeping into your walls. This could be evidence of a major problem with your plumbing. If unchecked, these issues can lead to mold, mildew or flooding in your home.
As previously stated, plumbing problems range from minor to really important. Use the tips in the article above to deal with plumbing issues with less stress and confusion.
To save both time and money, group all your plumbing fixes to be done at one time. Before you call a plumber, identify all the various plumbing issues you have to be addressed. This way, there’s only one charge for the service, instead of the plumber needing to make multiple trips.
