How To Deal With Common Plumbing Problems
Plumbing could be a topic that is complicated. If you are overcome by all the information you need to know, then continue on for some practical and simple tips that make it easier for you to take on your own plumbing tasks.
Do not use the liquid cleaning supplies that are designed to clear clogs. These cleaners are harmful and can damage your pipes as they clear the clog. Instead of using damaging liquids, use a plunger or a plumbing snake. These are much more effective and will not harm pipes.
When concerned with plumbing, you need to know what can cause noisy pipes. This is important because it can mean the difference between an annoying noise and flooding in your house. Do your research to distinguish between the different noises and hire a professional if any serious risk is posed.
Avoid the bursting of pipes due to the change in the temperature. You need to allow the flow of heat to reach under the sinks and into the pipes, you have to keep the cabinet doors of the bathrooms and kitchens open. It is important to keep water running at both hot and cold faucets along with vanities that are in close proximity to exterior walls.
Certain things shouldn't go into your plumbing system. By knowing what you can and cannot flush or throw into the garbage disposal and sink, you can save yourself from a costly repair or disaster. A plumber can usually get your plumbing back into working condition, but can be avoided if you know how to dispose of items correctly.
Make sure that you're always cleaning your garbage disposal regularly. Doing this will save you from having to repair or replace an expensive piece of equipment in the future. If your garbage disposal begins to emit a bad smell, run some dish detergent and citrus rinds through the cycle to make it smell fresher.
Clean the aerator to if you are dealing with low water pressure issues due to sediment buildup. After removing the aerator, disassemble it, and use a small brush that's been dipped in vinegar to clean it. Rinse it and put it back on the faucet. Doing so will assist in increasing water pressure since obstructions in the aerator are removed in this process.
To avoid freezing pipes in the winter, make sure to insulate any exposed pipes in you basement before winter comes. Pay extra attention to pipes near the outside walls. If you have had a problem with any particular pipe freezing in the past, apply some heat tape to insulate those pipes.
If you have a lot of hair in your shower drain, be sure to get a stopper and put it in the drain. This will catch the hair from going down the drain, which can clog it. Just make sure that you remove hair that is already in the drain before using the stopper.
You should always know where the main water cut-off valve is located on your property. Look closely for the water meter and it should be nearby. Usually toilets, sinks and other fixtures have cut-off valves of their own. Make sure every family member knows how to find these valves, and turn them off.
Teach your children how to notice plumbing problems. Many parents handle plumbing issues without sharing that information with their children, who grow up not knowing anything about plumbing. Any time you make a small repair or notice a problem, call your kids in and explain what the problem is and what you are going to do. Educate them so they can make good decisions in the future.
Many individuals have no idea what is involved in plumbing, so they willingly spend large amounts of money to have a plumber make repairs. If you own your own home, it's important that you take the time to learn the basics of plumbing, enough to ensure that you know what a plumber will be doing. If you're armed with knowledge, you're much less likely to be ripped off.
If you have a leak and your water bill is going up, there is a method you can try before you call a professional. You can use the red-dye system to detect whether the leak is above ground, underground, or whether it has anything to do with the toilets.
Check for standing water in your yard which can be a direct result of leaking pipes. Standing water can cause an increased level of damage to your lawn and will attract bacteria and insects. Reduce your level of standing water to put your family and home in the most secure position.
As you can see, plumbing isn't so scary when you know what to do. Follow the tips you've read here next time you have a problem with your plumbing, and soon your problem will be solved, all without having to call an expensive plumber to fix the problem for you.
Grover, NC