How much do you understand about plumbing? If so, do you want to make it better? What is your skill set like? If you can’t answer these questions, check the article below for some pointers.
If you possess pipes that are alive with the sound of squeaking or hammering, you have an issue that is easily corrected. Exposed pipes need to be properly anchored. Pipes that are contained within the floors, walls and ceilings may need to be attended by a professional plumber.
Don’t pay the entire plumbing bill upfront; wait until the plumber finishes the plumbing job. You may have to put money down before they start working, but avoid paying the total amount until it’s done. You should know the plumber did his job before you pay him.
Place a strainer on top of every drain so that you collect all debris that has the ability to clog the drain. Kitchen sink strainers should be cleaned every time they collect large food particles. A strainer in your bathtub should be checked occasionally and cleaned whenever necessary.
Don’t pour cooking grease, leftover frying fat or any oils down your sink drain. Grease hardens when it cools and will clog your pipes. If the sink has a garbage disposal, it will also make the blades less efficient. Keep a container in your kitchen that is used specifically for discarded grease.
You should always put plenty of cold water through your garbage disposal while it is running. The blades on the unit will remain sharper and disposal will proceed with few glitches. If you use hot water, any grease that is in the disposal will turn to liquid, and sit inside of the drain, which can clog your pipes.
Dishwashers that have too much water running into them could have a hose installed improperly. Your hose must run in a hill pattern to avoid water mixing. Think of the St. Louis Arch — start from your sink, go uphill with the hose, and then down before connecting to the dishwasher. This way, only pressurized water can travel through the hose. Leakage won’t be an issue.
If you want avoid future issues with your toilet, don’t treat it like a trash can. If you flush improper items such as disposable diapers, facial tissue, cotton balls, paper toweling, tampons or sanitary napkins down the toilet, you will surely have problems with clogs. Even toilet tissue should be used conservatively. Use enough to clean yourself, of course, but if you need to use wads of tissue you should flush several times in the process instead of waiting till the end.
Frozen pipes can do very extensive and expensive damage. Fortunately, you can generally prevent your pipes from freezing. Insulate the pipes that run outside with proper material. When the temperature dips, you should also make sure your garden hoses are disconnected and that your exterior faucet is shut off. You can save money on plumbing bills by doing this.
Correct low water pressure problems caused by sediment buildup by cleaning the aerator. You need to remove, disassemble, and clean the aerator with vinegar and a small brush. Rinse the aerator, reassemble it and reattach it to the faucet. By removing any grit, grime and debris from the aerator, the water pressure should significantly increase.
Running cold water while using your garbage disposal is recommended even though some people insist that you don’t have to. Although some say that running water will help keep the disposal running smoothly, this isn’t always the case. It can even cause what you put down the disposal to stick, causing damage to the unit.
Drain Cleaners
Stop cleaning a persistent clog with harsh drain cleaners. Drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can cause your pipes to corrode if you overuse them. If you believe your drain is seriously clogged, have a professional plumber examine the line.
How is your knowledge level with respect to plumbing now? Are you more familiar with what type of system you have in your home? Do you feel your skills have improved? Are you now able to utilize things that can apply to your home system? Do you have a little more of an inkling when it comes to using plumbing equipment? Hopefully, you are able to answer all of these questions positively and have furthered your plumbing knowledge.
