Menu Close

Easy Answers To Your Tough Plumbing Questions

TIP! To keep your septic tank in good working order, it is advisable to have it pumped out every five years. This keeps the tank from developing a buildup of sediment, thereby preventing the septic system from backing up or failing altogether as a result.

Water is important to all life forms, but it can also be a nemesis to the frustrated homeowner dealing with plumbing problems. There are not many things more devastating to a house faster than to leave a major plumbing problem unfixed.

TIP! Avoid paying the plumber until he finishes the job. There might be a down payment required, but you do not give him the total cost before he is finished.

If your pipes freeze, make sure you turn the closest faucet to allow the thawing water to exit. This gives the pressure somewhere to go, and keeps it from bursting.

TIP! Get the appropriate tools, and know exactly how to use them before you start working on your plumbing. Read every manual, and use the Internet and library to research the projects that you plan on doing.

Do not pay your plumber until they finish the problem is fixed. You may need to make a small down payment before the job has begun, but do not give them the entire sum of money until you are sure they have done a good job. You will feel better paying the plumber did what he promised before he is reimbursed for the entire amount.

TIP! Avoid the use of products for your toilet that help with odor, such as bleach tablets. Either kind of toilet tablet might break down obnoxious smells in your toilet, but they might also break down the rubber parts, resulting in malfunction.

Don't use harsh chemicals such as toilet tablets that claim to be cleaners in your toilet. These may deodorize, but they have the side effect of damaging the rubber in your toilet, causing poor functionality or even complete breakdown of the fixture.

TIP! If your toilet gets clogged, there is a low level of water in toilet, and the plunger is not working, you may fix the problem by dumping warm water from a bucket into your toilet from about waist level. You can repeat this procedure once the water returns to a low level.

Check the floors in your bathroom for any give in order to be sure that there is no damage in the toilet to determine floor damage. You can save money by noticing the problem as early on.

Use filters on all drains to prevent debris from clogging drains. The ones in the bathroom can be cleaned out on a regular basis.

TIP! To maintain your garbage disposal and avoid malfunction, you should regularly clean it. Keep your garbage disposal fresh and running by using dish soap, cherry pits and lemon rinds regularly.

If your home runs on well water and you notice any orange or pink stains in your fixtures or tub, you have too much iron in your water. This is fixed by using water softener, which can be bought at a store, or have a company come out to your house and take care of it for you.

TIP! If there is unwanted water draining into the dishwasher, it is most likely because of the hose to the kitchen sink being installed improperly. The hose between the kitchen sink and the dishwasher has to have a peak in the middle so that the water can't wash back in the wrong direction.

Pour baking soda followed by vinegar down your bathtub drain every month.Plug the drain and allow the chemical reaction to occur.After a few minutes, clear the pipes out with a gallon of boiling water. This should open up the pipes of hair build-up and soap scum.

Shower Heads

TIP! Do not expect to clean grout out of a line by yourself. You can attempt to dislodge the blockage or break it up to help remove it.

Installing efficient shower heads can save you tons of money when it comes to your energy bill. Most households use a lot of hot water is consumed in the shower. By installing shower heads that are energy-efficient, you could save at least $100 a year per person who showers in your house.

TIP! Don't run the water while putting food through your garbage disposal. Many people make the mistake of thinking that a disposal can handle anything as long as they have water running when they turn it on.

Be sure that the dryer's lint trap of any debris. This will ensure that your dryer to work better and may also prevent fires. Be sure you inspect your lint trap for tears or holes that could mean lint is going into your pipes, because this can cause bigger problems as it may mean that lint is escaping into your pipes.

TIP! Try to avoid the use of dry cleaners as often as you can. The chemicals found in drain cleaners are very corrosive, and can end up damaging your pipes if you use them too much.

Try to avoid the use drain cleaners if you can. Drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals and can actually damage pipes with frequent use. If your drain is clogged, think about hiring a plumber to do a estimate and tell you what the issue is.

TIP! If there is sewage backing up in your toilet, it is probably due to blockage in a branch between the sewage and main lines. If you can't manage this blockage, a plumber can put a snake through to clear it out.

Sometimes, you will be forced to use a certain plumber, but you can look them up online anyway. If your insurer has just given you the name of a plumber, you could always check out the website and the reviews and feedback left by customers, so you are more comfortable and ready when they arrive.

Plumbing Problems

TIP! Make it a habit to run your rarely used valves on a regular basis to avoid plumbing problems. Apply penetrating oil on a regular basis, and turn it so as to stop it from seizing.

Becoming educated on plumbing and preparing beforehand can help prevent future issues. Just a little information can make a big difference when it comes to preventing plumbing problems. Keep the above tips in mind to be better prepared to quickly fix any plumbing problems that do arise.

Related Posts