When you are working on your plumbing, there is a lot that can go wrong. Some problems are a simple fix, but others need a professional. Knowing more about plumbing will make it easier to fix any problem quickly with minimal effort.
To prevent frozen pipes, always keep the living spaces in your house above freezing, even if you aren’t home. Any exposed pipes need to be insulated against the outdoor temperatures. If ambient temperature surrounding pipes goes below freezing, pipes can freeze as well. 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. The worst case scenario is a busted pipe and a costly repair.
If a pipe freezes, make sure you turn the closest faucet to allow the thawing water to exit. If there is too much pressure within the pipe, it may burst, causing other forms of damage in the home.
Avoid septic tank problems by having your tank pumped out in five year intervals. Deposit and debris build up in your tank can result in major problems. White it is somewhat expensive to pump the septic tank, it will be much more expensive should you need to clean backup, repair your septic tank or replace it altogether.
If a plumbing project is in your future, know two things: what tools you have, and how you are supposed to use them. Read manuals and do some research on the internet before starting a plumbing project. Plan properly prior to beginning any type of repair, because fixing a mistake can cost a lot of money.
If your toilet is clogged, the water level in the toilet is low, and a plunger is not doing the trick, you may be able to resolve the problem by pouring a bucket of warm water into the toilet from waist level or higher. The water needs to be at a low level again in order to repeat the process.
Avoid putting grease, fat, and other oils down your drain. These substances will harden as soon as they cool down, and clog your drains. This is especially true if you have a garbage disposal, as the fat will cause the blades to run slower and less efficiently. Be sure to get rid of oil products away from your sink.
Clean your garbage disposal regularly to prolong the life of your disposal. By having a regular cleaning routine, which includes a combination of lemon rinds, dish soap and even pits from a cherry, your disposal can be kept smelling fresh and running smoothly for many years to come.
Check overflow holes to make sure there’s no clog. Overflow holes drain sink that fill too full and may go unnoticed until they are needed. Clear the overflow holes periodically when you are doing your periodic checks for other problems and things that need to be repaired.
Run cold water through your garbage disposal. The helps sharpen the blades and clears out the drain mechanism. Avoid using hot water, as this will liquefy grease, causing it to build up in the drain and obstruct your pipes.
One easy way to save on energy and water is to install efficiency-oriented shower heads. Most of the hot water we use is used while we are showering. By installing an energy-efficient shower head that might cost a few dollars, you could save at least $100 a year per person who showers in your house.
To reduce your plumbing repair costs, use preventative maintenance measures. A common serious repair is removing clogs in the drain. Hair can clog drains. Putting a strainer on your drain can solve this problem. It’s a lot easier to take hair out of a screen than to pull it from a pipe.
Prepare for the cold winter months by checking that your outdoor faucets are not dripping or leaking. If your faucets are dripping, you must fix them before the first freeze. If your pipes freeze, no matter what they are made of, water pressure may make them crack. Even a tiny crack can leak enough water to flood your home.
Water valves that are rarely ever used often become fused together. You can prevent them from becoming fused by regularly maintaining them with a penetrating oil, and running water through them on a regular basis.
Main water cut off valve is a very important piece of information you should be aware of, and you should know exactly where it is. You’ll find a water meter right on it or near by. Also, locate additional shut off valves for toilets, sinks, washers and any other device that runs off of your water supply. Show your family members where these valves are, and then add markings that show how they should be turned off if an emergency occurs.
Because plumbing is a mysterious and hidden field to a lot of homeowners, they are willing to take any claim and any bill from a plumber at face value, no matter how ridiculous it is. When you have a home of your own to care for, try to learn enough about plumbing to understand what you hear from a professional plumber. If you know what you’re paying for, you’ll be less likely to get ripped off.
Don’t just use any drain cleaner. Certain cleaners have strong chemical agents which will cause damage to the pipes. Choose a brand known for protecting pipes. Your plumbing needs some forms of bacteria in order to work properly and the wrong chemicals can kill these good bacteria, as well as being toxic to people.
If there is an additional pipe that extends from the drainage pipe when you install a water heater, take time and care to reconnect this pipe when you finish. It’s probably a recirculation pipe, and that can help your water remain heated without wasting water.
As stated before, plumbing problems can be miniscule or great. The information provided in this article will help you to deal with these problems without stress.