Everyone has questions about plumbing question at some point in time. This article problem helps with both so that you need for when those plumbing emergencies arise.
If you have a water pipe that freezes, turn on a nearby faucet so that thawed ice has a place to go. This gives the pressure somewhere to go, which may prevent bigger damage for your home.
Septic Tank
Pump out your septic tank at least every five years to keep it in proper working well. Although having a septic tank pumped costs money, it will cost a lot more having to clean sewage backup or having to fix or replace a septic tank.
Use filters on all drains to prevent debris from getting through.The bathtub's strainers need to cleaned out as needed.
Don't pour oils, grease and other oils into the drain. This is especially damaging to garbage disposals because the fats will make the blades turn more slowly and less efficiently. Make certain you dispose of oils away from the sink.
If your house uses well water and you start to see orange or pink stains in your tub and other water fixtures, this is most likely caused by an excess of iron in your water. You will need a water softener in order to take care of this problem, which is something you can get on your own at a local retailer, or hire someone to go to your home and fix it for you.
By regularly incorporating a routine using a combination of dish soap, which includes a combination of lemon rinds, and even cherry pits, you can keep your disposal running smoothly and smelling as fresh as the day it was installed.
Schedule all your issues in one single visit. You may be tempted to call a professional plumber if you have any minor issues, but kicking the can on some issues until you have a list means you can save a few bucks. Most plumbers charge an hourly rate and a flat rate for the trip: asking a plumber to fix multiple problems in one trip is cheaper than calling them more than once.
Overflow Holes
Ensure overflow holes aren't clogged up. Clear overflow holes when you are doing your periodic checks for problems and things that need to be repaired.
Always use cold water when you are using your garbage disposal. Cold water keeps blades and makes the disposal run more smoothly.
Kitchen Sink
If water that is not supposed to be there is in the dishwasher, it is most likely because of the hose to the kitchen sink being installed improperly. The hose connecting the kitchen sink to your dishwasher needs to go upward before going back down in order for the water of both locations to not mix.
Clean the aerator to if you are dealing with low water pressure issues which result from sediment buildup. Take the aerator off, pull it apart, and clean inside with a brush soaked in vinegar.
While you may not always have your choice of plumbers, you can still look the person up online. If an insurance company is requiring you to use a certain plumber, checking out their website and customer feedback and reviews still gives the ability to be ready for them comfortably when they arrive.
Check your toilet regularly for any leaks. An easy way to check for this is to drop some food coloring into the toilet tank. Watch your toilet bowl closely, and if you see colored water within a few seconds, you will see that you are dealing with a issue that should be dealt with.
If you have sewage backing up into your toilet, it is probably due to blockage in a branch between the sewage and main lines.If you cannot take care of this blockage, you will need to hire a professional to run a snake in the line to clean it.
Check your faucets outside for drips before the first winter freeze. If water is continually dripping, they will have to be repaired before temperatures reach the freezing point. Whatever material your pipes are built from, freezing water causes pressure that can make them crack.Even a small crack can leak enough water leak to cause a major flood in your home.
You need to know how to address problems before you actually experience them. Regular maintenance can also prevent small plumbing issues from becoming serious emergencies. Keep these tips handy so you'll be prepared for any future plumbing need.