Every homeowner will run into questions about plumbing, every now and then. We want to know how we can fix things ourselves and to learn basic maintenance tips. This article will provide you with both so you can be prepared for any plumbing emergency that may arise.
If your pipes make squeaking and hammering noises, it may be very simple to fix. Anchor exposed pipes to get rid of noises. If pipes are located in the floors, ceiling or walls, a professional might be needed for the job.
If you discover a pipe has frozen, open a tap on the line to allow the thawing ice to drain. This gives the pressure somewhere to go, and can keep them from bursting.
Have your septic tank cleaned every five years to keep it in prime condition. This keeps the tank from developing a buildup of sediment, thereby preventing the septic system from backing up or failing altogether as a result. If the cost of pumping your septic tank seems a bit steep, remember that the cost of cleanup and repair of a failed septic system will be much higher.
A strainer should be placed over all the drains in order to gather particles that would just get in the drain and potentially cause stoppage. Kitchen sink strainers should be cleaned every time they collect large food particles. You should clean out the strainer in your bathtub often.
Iron will cause orange or pink stains in and on your fixtures if you have a well. Luckily, you can quickly fix this by adding some water softener to your supply. You can pick up this product at a lot of stores, or have it shipped out to you.
If you have a clogged toilet with a low water level and a plunger isn’t doing the job, it’s time to try adding a bucket of lukewarm water to the toilet from a around three feet or higher. After the water level in the toilet bowl has gone down, you can repeat the procedure until the blockage is cleared.
Schedule your plumbing jobs all together. It can be tempting to call a plumber each time you have a minor problem, but saving plumbing work for one time allows you to put money aside for the repairs. Another reason it lowers costs is that plumbers bill per hour worked, and due to partial hour effects, doing all the work at once results in lower billable hours.
Shower Heads
By installing shower heads that are more efficient, you will be able to save a lot of money. Most households use a lot of hot water in the shower. If you spend several extra dollars putting in energy-saving shower heads, you can potentially reduce your energy bill by $100 or more annually for every shower head used in your home.
To ensure garbage disposal lasts long in your home, be sure you keep it cleaned regularly. By regularly “cleaning” the disposal with lemon rinds, cherry pits and dish soap, you can make sure that your garbage disposal is running well and smelling so clean it could be new.
If you notice water draining into your dishwater, check your kitchen sink. The hose might not be installed properly. This hose must lead uphill and downhill to prevent mixing water between the kitchen sink and the dishwasher.
If you have clogged pipes and thinking about using a pipe cleaner, one that is enzyme based is highly recommended. These cleaners have natural bacteria in them, which turn sludge into liquid form that can be easily removed from your pipes. Cleaners containing enzymes are some of the best you can buy.
Make sure to clean out the dryers lint trap. This will save a ton of trouble for you, it will also prevent fires. You also need to be sure the lint trap is free of holes or small openings that could allow lint to get to your pipes. This could result in other problems in your home to deal with.
Install low flush toilets and energy efficient shower heads and faucets to reduce your utility bills. Most of the hot water we use is from showering. When you install energy-efficient heads in each bathroom, you will save around 100 dollars or more per shower.
Prevention is the key to keeping your plumbing repair bills down. Drain clogs are probably the most frequent issue you will run into with your plumbing. Drains are frequently clogged by hair. This can be prevented by using a drain cover or screen to keep the hair from going down the drain. You can remove hair much easier from a screen as opposed to getting it out of the inside of a pipe.
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can cause a lot of damage and cost you money. Fortunately, frozen pipes are easy to prevent. The first thing you should do is ensure your outside pipes are thoroughly wrapped or insulated. Once the temperature starts to drop, disconnect your hoses after you have drained them out, and make sure the outside faucet is turned off. This will help to save you money on plumbing bills.
Frozen pipes can cause some very expensive plumbing repair jobs. Fortunately, it’s usually an avoidable problem. If you have any pipes outside, have them properly insulated. Once the temperature starts to drop, disconnect your hoses after you have drained them out, and make sure the outside faucet is turned off. You can avoid future plumbing repairs by doing this, and therefore, saving you a lot of money.
Stop cleaning a persistent clog with harsh drain cleaners. Drain cleaners contain caustic and damaging chemicals which can destroy your pipes if used too often. Sometimes, finding a professional to fix a blocked drain is the best way to solve the problem.
If you need a plumber, check out their credentials before hiring them. Some plumbers do not have the experience to deal with certain problems, and may make matters worse. Look for reviews on the internet, and ask your friends and family if they can recommend a good plumber.
Learning about these problems can save a lot of headache down the road. Knowing how to perform routine maintenance will also prevent future problems. Apply the tips provided in the above article, and you’ll be prepared for all plumbing needs you’ll have in the future.
Don’t rely on drain cleaners too much. There are some harsh, corrosive chemicals found in these drain cleaners. That’s why they work so well to knock out clogs. Over time, they will corrode your pipes. If you believe your drain is seriously clogged, have a professional plumber examine the line.