From time to time, we all have plumbing questions. We would like to know how to fix something ourselves if a problem comes up, and we would like to learn some general maintenance tips. Take a few minutes to read this article and find out how you can face plumbing emergencies.
If your water pipe freezes, switch on the nearest faucet tap to that pipe so that water can exit when the pipe thaws. This helps decrease any pressure in order to prevent burst pipes. A burst pipe can create damage that is expensive to repair.
Never pay a plumber until the job is complete. You may have to pay a portion of the cost before the plumber works on the job, but you should never have to pay in full until after everything has been correctly finished. This ensures that the plumber will not abandon the job midway, and will also care about the quality of their work more.
If your home operates on well water and you notice pink or orange stains in your bathtub and other fixtures, this is no doubt due to iron in the water. A water softener is the easiest way to solve hard water problems relating to rust, but you can also consult a plumber if you are unsure.
If you have any plumbing work that needs to be done, schedule it all to be done concurrently. You may want to have each minor problem attended to as the occur, but having multiple repairs done at once allows you to save up for the cost. You can save money by only paying a single service call fee instead of ending up with multiple hours being billed from multiple visits.
However, if you mix a cup of vinegar and a cup of baking soda and send them down your tub’s drain each month, the flow will keep going smoothly. Plug the opening or cover it with a cloth while the chemical reaction takes place. After giving the mixture time to work, flush it out by running boiling water through the drain. Your pipes will soon be clear of accumulated hair and soap scum.
Knowing what to do beforehand about a plumbing problem can be very useful indeed. Regular maintenance can also prevent small plumbing issues from becoming serious emergencies. Keep these tips handy so you’ll be prepared for any future plumbing need.