Water may be the source of all life, but it can also be a nemesis to the frustrated homeowner dealing with plumbing problems. Few issues, short of a natural disaster, can cause more damage to a house than a serious plumbing fault. The good news is there are steps that every homeowner can take to stop plumbing nightmares from coming to life, and for fixing them before they get out of control.
It’s easy to fix noisy pipes which squeak or sound like hammering. Anchor any easily-accessible loose pipes. If pipes are located in the floor, ceiling or walls, you might want to have a professional help you complete the project.
If your toilet happens to be clogged, and the plunger is not working, 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. If one attempt doesn’t solve the problem, you can do it again once the water level stabilizes.
Check the floor for soft areas around the toilet to determine floor damage. Straddle your toilet and gently rock foot to foot to see if your floor feels a little weak or soft. When you have a problem like this to deal with, the earlier you detect it, the less expensive it will be to take care of.
If you get your water from a well and orange or pink stains appear in your sink or tub, then you can be sure that the culprit is iron in your water. You should purchase a water softener to use, or ask a local business to make a visit to your residence and resolve the issue for you.
If you run your garbage disposal after working in the kitchen, use a large quantity of cold water. Cold water keeps blades sharp and allows for smoother disposal. Grease will stay solid and go through your drain with cold water; you don’t want gooey grease in your pipes.
If you have clogged pipes and thinking about using a pipe cleaner, one that is enzyme based is highly recommended. These cleaners turn the sludge into a liquid using natural bacteria, and then the liquid flows out of the pipes. The cleaners that have enzymes are the best you can buy.
Lint Trap
Make sure to clean your dryer’s lint trap. This is preventative maintenance that will prevent many problems, including fires. Inspect your lint trap every so often for tears or holes that could cause lint to go into your pipes, this could cause clogs or other problems you will have to deal with.
There are two easy methods to removing a stubborn clean-out plug. Try to use a hammer and chisel to loosen it. If the plug itself is expendable, chiseling it into pieces and extracting them can work, too.
If you need a plumber, be certain to do some research first. Some plumbers are not trained to take on certain tasks, and can end up making your problem much worse. Look for reviews on the internet, and ask your friends and family if they can recommend a good plumber.
Being educated and prepared will help you to avoid plumbing issues. The homeowner who learns a little bit about plumbing is more likely to make wise decisions and avoid dangerous plumbing situations. A homeowner who knows something about plumbing can often fix issues before they become major crises.
