Knowing where to start can be confusing when you are first beginning to plumb. There are many things to take into consideration, and knowing which tools and instructions and equipment to use is important. This article will provide you with some tips you can apply as you take on your next plumbing challenge.
Septic System
When it gets very cold, your pipes may freeze. If it does, relieve the pressure in the pipe by turning on the tap so the water can be released as the pipe thaws. By doing this, the pipe pressure is relieved, and this should stop it from bursting, which would prevent further home damage.
Avoid septic tank problems by having your tank pumped out in five year intervals. 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. Although it is somewhat of an expense to pump out a septic tank, it is nothing compared to what you will have to spend on cleaning up a backup of sewage or repairing or replacing your septic system.
If you have a clogged toilet and a plunger is not helping to clear the blockage, if the water level is low, pouring a bucking of boiling water from a height into the toilet bowl could resolve the problem. After the water level in the toilet bowl has gone down, you can repeat the procedure until the blockage is cleared.
Keep grease, fat and oil out of your kitchen drain. These substances will harden as soon as they cool down, and clog your drains. Oils are especially damaging to garbage disposals. Make certain you dispose of all oils in other places other than the sink.
You should avoid using blue toilet tablets, bleach tablets or any other odor removers in your toilet. The rubber parts of your system can be damaged by the chemicals contained in these tablets and stop functioning.
In order to ensure that your garbage disposal will last for as long as your home, keep it clean on a regular basis. You can prevent annoying odors and promote smooth operation by setting up a regular cleaning routine with lemon rinds, dish soap, and even cherry pits.
Whenever you have plumbing work that needs to be done, you should schedule all problems at one time. While you may be tempted to call the plumber whenever you have a slight problem, scheduling it all at once gives you the opportunity to save money to pay for the repairs. This can save you money since plumbers generally charge hourly, as they can’t charge multiple hours per trip if it’s only one trip out.
Baking Soda
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 will take care of the issue. This can either be done by yourself, or you can hire a professional to come and take care of.
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. This will cause the vigorous bubbling you may remember from the “volcano” in a grade school science project, so be sure to close the drain with a stopper. Wait until the chemical reaction runs its course, then flush the pipes by pouring in a kettle full of boiling water. Although this is useful for clearing away simple clogs made of hair and soap debris, it will not work for serious blockages.
If water that is not supposed to be there is in the dishwasher, the likely culprit is a kitchen sink hose not properly attached. The hose going from the dishwasher to the sink must go downhill, and then uphill, to prevent water mixing from the two devices.
Make sure a new shower head is of high quality. Choosing the cheapest shower head in the store can end up costing you more in the long run. However, cheap parts don’t work as well and break down more quickly.
Putting in shower heads that are energy-efficient can save you a lot of money in energy costs. The shower uses most of the hot water. Water-conserving shower heads are relatively affordable, but using them can save you a great deal of money within a single year.
Prevention is vital for avoiding costly repairs to your plumbing. Clogs are one of the main reasons people have to call a plumber. Drains easily get clogged by hair. Put drain covers over your bathtub and sink drains to keep loose hair from going down the drain or into your pipes. It’s a lot easier to take hair out of a screen than to pull it from a pipe.
If you require the services of a plumber, be sure to check them out prior to hiring them. Some plumbers do not have the experience to deal with certain problems, and may make matters worse. Always look at plumber reviews, or ask friends and family if they can recommend one.
Be certain that your toilet does not have a leak. You can do this by coloring the water in your tank. Look at its bowl, then if you spot any colored water within just a few seconds, there’s an issue that must be dealt with soon.
When replacing your shower head, pay attention to the quality of the replacement head. People often times incorrectly believe that it’s alright to buy a cheap shower head. These types of fixtures are prone to breakage and are much less sturdy.
As shown here, the fundamentals of plumbing aren’t impossible to figure out. There are, however, certain basics that you must understand. Once you’ve done a little research, gotten a little practice, and used a little common sense, it will be easy to figure out how to tackle a plumbing job and get it done successfully.