Everyone has plumbing questions, every now and then. Everyone should want to understand how to correct minor problems and how to do their own maintenance. This article will help you with both repairs and maintenance, so that you are prepared to deal with any plumbing situation you may face.
Noisy pipes that make squeaking or hammering sounds are an easy problem to fix. Anchoring exposed pipes will decrease the amount of noise your plumbing system makes. For pipes that are situated inside walls, or the floor or ceiling, you should hire a professional.
You don’t want to end up with frozen pipes, so take preventive action, such as wrapping outside pipes with insulation, and keeping indoor temperatures above freezing at all times. Pipes have the potential to freeze if the surrounding temperatures are below the freezing mark. It will take a while for the pipes to thaw, leaving you without running water. However, your pipes can explode, as well – making a huge plumbing bill.
Septic Tank
Pump your septic tank about once every five years, to make sure it is working well. This will prevent sediment from piling up in your tank, which could cause it to overflow into your home and yard, or even cause the entire septic system to fail. Although it could cost a good deal of money to pump out your septic tank, it will cost a lot more having to clean sewage backup or having to fix or replace a septic tank.
Don’t use harsh chemicals such as toilet tablets in your toilet. The rubber parts of your system can be damaged by the chemicals contained in these tablets and stop functioning.
If your garbage disposal is having problems, don’t give in to the desire to attempt a fix by reaching down into the disposal. Even if it is are switched off, a garbage disposal can be very dangerous. Hire a professional, or at least find your owner’s manual to look at a diagram of the disposal. Many owner’s manuals are available online, and may even contain interactive troubleshooters.
Use strainers on all drains to keep foreign objects and debris from clogging drains. You should clean your kitchen sink’s strainer every time there is a large particle that’s trapped in it. The ones in your bathtub should also be cleaned frequently, as needed.
If you want to make sure your garbage disposal is going to be around as long as the house it is inside of, make sure you clean it often. By regularly using a mixture of dish soap, cherry pits and citrus rinds, you can ensure that your disposal runs smoothly and smells as fresh as one that is brand new.
It is important to always run cold water while using your garbage disposal. Cold water keeps blades sharp and encourage a smoother disposal. If you use hot water, any grease in the disposal will liquefy, causing it to accumulate further down the drain, which could cause clogs.
Shower Heads
You can save lots on energy with efficient shower heads. Most of the hot water we use is in the shower. You can save up to a few hundred dollars a year by simply installing shower heads that are energy efficient.
Remember that your toilet is not intended to be used to dispose of trash. Don’t flush items like paper towels, sanitary napkins, diapers or cotton balls, because these items don’t break down and may cause clogging issues. As well, keep your toilet paper usage to as little as possible.
If you are using a slower head, see to it that you replace it with one that has good quality. People will buy the cheapest option thinking it will do the job they need it to do. These types of fixtures are prone to breakage and are much less sturdy.
If you want to save a lot of time and money on plumbing repairs, prevention is the best weapon you have in your arsenal. Clogs are the most commonly reported problems when it comes to plumbing issues. Clogs in drains can be caused by hair, among other things. Screens and drain covers are great ways to stop hair from going down your drains. Because the hair is at a place where you can remove it, it saves you from having to call a plumber out to your home.
Cleaning the aerator will fix low water pressure issues that are caused from sediment buildup. After removing the aerator, use an old toothbrush with some vinegar on it to clean the sediment off. Thoroughly rinse off the aerator, put it back together and place it back on the faucet. Your water pressure should improve because the obstructing particles or buildup have been removed.
If you have grout stuck in the line, it’s futile to try and clean it out yourself. You can break the grout up and make it go further down the line. Plastic pipes, if you have them, will work better than metal. Usually, however, you will need to hire a professional for this issue.
It will be too late to do some research once you have a leak. Just by doing a bit of routine maintenance, you can stave off future issues. Take the tips you’ve read here and implement them into your plumbing strategy, preparing you to keep your plumbing in great shape and deal with any problems as they arise.
