Having good plumbing is very important part of managing your home. This article lays out some effective tips for repairing and maintaining your own plumbing.
Septic Tank
You should have your septic tank every five years for best performance. Although it could cost a good deal of money to pump out your septic tank, cleaning up sewage backup in your home will ultimately cost much more.
Knowing your tools are what and the proper way to use them will make you much better at plumbing. Be sure to have a plan ahead of time before trying any type of repair, because it can be expensive to fix mistakes.
Don't use any colored tablets 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.
Use strainers on all drains to prevent debris from getting through. The ones in the bathroom can be cleaned out on a regular basis.
Avoid putting grease, fat, and grease in your drain. This is especially damaging to garbage disposals because the fat can make the blades turn more slowly and less freely. Make certain you dispose of oils away from the sink.
If you notice water draining into your dishwasher, most likely this is due to a faulty setup of the hose that leads from the kitchen sink. The hose from your sink to your dishwasher needs to go up and then down so that there is no mixing between fixtures.
Don't flush items like paper towels, such as diapers, tissues, because these items don't break down and may cause clogging issues.
Some people think they can get away with the cheapest head for your shower in the store. The problem with this is that these models are not highly durable and can break much easier.
Enzyme Based Cleaners
Use a cleaner that is enzyme based cleaners when cleaning clogged pipes.These cleaners use natural bacteria, and turn it into a liquid that is then flushed from your pipes. Enzyme based cleaners are preferred by many to clear clogged drains.
Clean the aerator to adjust water pressure issues which result from sediment buildup. Take out the aerator, disassemble it, and clean inside with a brush soaked in vinegar.
Don't run the water when the garbage disposal. The moisture can actually bond the trash to your disposal, which might create a problem later.
Drain Cleaners
Don't use drain cleaners too much. Drain cleaners contain very corrosive chemicals which can destroy your pipes if used too frequently. If you find that your drain is clogged, hire a pro to figure out the problem.
You can research a plumber online, but you can find out all you can about them on the Internet. 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, read any testimonials and other feedback so you know what to expect once they arrive at your home.
If you need to hire a plumber, check out their credentials before hiring them. A plumber that is not be experienced enough to fix your problem. Check out online reviews of various plumbing companies, and ask your friends and family for recommendations.
Check your toilet regularly for any leaks. An easy way to determine 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 know that you have a problem that needs to be handled soon.
If sewage is overflowing your toilet, it is probably due to blockage in a branch between the sewage and main lines. If you are not able to remove the blockage, you'll need professional help to run a snake and break up the clog.
You have to always know where the main water cut-off valve is located on your home. You can locate a water meter located on it or close to it. Fixtures, such as sinks or toilets, may also have individual shut-off valves.Show everyone where these valves are, and mark them so people can turn them off in an emergency.
A lot of people are intimidated by plumbing to be a very scary subject since it problems will ruin their home. This can be avoided if you know one thing.
As you can see, there are many tips and tricks that you can use to fix the plumbing in your home. By implementing these tips, you will save money since you won't need to contact a professional plumber.