When you have to start repairing and maintaining your plumbing, you might wonder where to start. There are a lot of things to think about after all, from buying tools and equipment to following directions and local regulations. Read the tips contained in this article so that you will have the knowledge to become an excellent plumber.
Keep your plumbing flowing by maintaining a temperature above 32 degrees and wrapping up any exposed pipe works. Pipes will begin to freeze as soon as they reach freezing temperatures. If they freeze, it will be awhile for them to gradually warm. Therefore, it will take some time for you to have running water again. They could also burst costing you a lot of money and repairs.
If you have a water pipe that freezes, have the tap closest to it turned on so the water can exit while the pipe thaws. Letting the water drain out will relieve pressure in the frozen pipe, which will reduce the chances of it bursting and damaging your home.
Septic Tank
Pump your septic tank about once every five years, to make sure it is working well. Doing this prevents any sediment from getting built up within the tank, which causes a backup in your home or causes your entire septic system to fail. Pumping a septic tank might cost a lot of money, but it will cost your more money to clean any back up in sewage you may have had, and replacing your septic tank costs even more!!
If your toilet’s water level is low, the toilet is clogged up, and using a plunger isn’t resolving the issue, hold a bucket filled with warm water at about your waistline, and pour it into your toilet. Do this as often as necessary if the water level dips back down again.
You can pour baking soda down a drain followed by some vinegar if you want to keep drains clear. This should be done once a month, and a cup each of baking soda and vinegar should be used. The combination will cause a chemical reaction, so just place a cloth or other object over the drain after pouring. After waiting a few minutes, flush the drain with boiling water. By taking these steps, you have a good chance of ridding your pipes of hair and soap scum.
It is important to always run cold water while using your garbage disposal. The cold water keeps your blades sharp, which helps your disposal run smooth. Using hot water will cause grease to liquefy and accumulate in the drain, which will cause clogs in your pipes.
Trash should go in the trash basket, not the toilet. Use the toilet for what it is designed for, and it won’t give you a lot of problems. Don’t put disposable sanitary objects down the toilet. The sewage system cannot deal with these items and will become clogged. Reduce your use of toilet paper if you notice frequent clogs.
An enzyme based cleaner is an excellent way of unblocking clogged pipes. These natural bacteria cleaners turn sludge into liquid, and then remove it from the pipes. Enzyme cleaners should be your first choice.
Lint Trap
Make sure to clean your dryer’s lint trap. This is preventative maintenance that will prevent many problems, including fires. Look over the lint trap to make sure there aren’t any rips or holes. This can cause problems like clogs.
Cleaning an aerator can remove sediment buildup that causes low water pressure. Take the aerator apart and clean it with a brush and some vinegar. Rinse off the aerator then reassemble and reattach to the faucet. Once the aerator has been cleared, your water pressure should improve.
Trying to clean grout caught in a line by yourself is fruitless. You could dislodge the grout and cause it go further down. Plastic pipes would have better results than metal. However, ultimately it usually requires a professional to rid you of this problem.
Drain Cleaners
Keep from using harsh drain cleaners. Drain cleaners are composed of extremely corrosive chemicals and can actually damage pipes with frequent use. When you have a plumbing blockage, consider calling out a professional to determine what the source of the problem is.
A sewage backup into the toilet is caused by problems often deep within the sewage line. If you are unable to handle the issue on your own, you will need to hire a professional who can use a snake to unclog the line.
Rarely used valves can fuse together. Be sure to give them a shot of penetrating oil and a turn from time-to-time to make sure they don’t freeze up.
You should contact your local Consumer Affairs Department before you hire any plumber. It is important to verify that they have a valid license and to check on any complaints that may have been made against them. Do not hire a plumber with a license that is not in good standing.
As you have seen, plumbing, while appearing intimidating, is not all that complicated. There are just basics that you need to know well. Just focus and start somewhere, this is all it takes, when you do your research apply common sense into the mix and you should have no problem tackling an easy job.
