Everyone has a plumbing question at some point in time. This article will provide you with both so you can be prepared for when those plumbing emergencies arise.
Noisy pipes is an easy problem to fix. You will need to anchor any type of exposed pipe.
Frozen Pipes
To eliminate the possibility of having frozen pipes, insulate all exterior pipes and be sure to keep your interior house temperature above freezing, even if the house is vacant. Pipes have the potential to freeze if the surrounding temperatures are below the freezing temperatures. It takes time in order for the pipes to thaw out so you can have water again. However, frozen pipes commonly break or crack pipes, as well - making a huge plumbing bill.
Pump your septic tank at least every five years to keep it in proper working condition. While it may cost a bit to have your septic tank pumped out, the cost is much higher to have sewage and backups cleaned up and your septic tank repaired or replaced.
Knowing your tools and the proper way to use them will make you much better at plumbing.Before attempting any repairs, you should have a plan; otherwise, a mistake could make repairs even more costly.
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, which can prevent your toilet from functioning correctly.
Garbage Disposal
Never use your hands to try fixing your garbage disposal. Even an un-powered garbage disposal is turned off they can be dangerous.You can look online to find the diagram for your garbage disposal.
Use a drain strainer to prevent debris that might clog the pipes from getting through. The ones in the bathroom can be cleaned out on a regular basis.
Avoid dumping oil, fat, and other oils into your drain. This is especially damaging to garbage disposals because the fats will make the blades turn more slowly and less freely. Make sure you dispose of all oils in other places other than the sink.
If your house uses well water and there are orange or pink stains in tubs or sinks, this is because of iron in your water. You can deal with use by using a water softener, 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, lemon rinds, and even cherry pits, your disposal can be kept smelling fresh and running smoothly for many years to come.
Don't flush items like paper towels, sanitary napkins, diapers or cotton balls, paper towels and cotton balls.
Some people think it's alright to get away with the cheapest version at the store. The issue with that is they're less tough and can break much easier.
Enzyme Based Cleaners
Use a cleaner that is enzyme based cleaners when cleaning clogged pipes.These cleaners employ helpful bacteria which process the sludge lining your pipes, and then remove it from the pipes. Enzyme based cleaners are not corrosive so they won't erode your pipes.
Clean the aerator to adjust water pressure problems in case you have sediment build up. Take the aerator off, disassemble it, and clean inside with a brush soaked in vinegar.
Do not expect to clean grout from your plumbing.You can try to break up the grout and cause it go further down. This works much better if your home has pipes as opposed to metal ones.
If your toilet has sewage back-up, it is probably due to blockage in a branch between the sewage and main lines. If you are unable to fix the blockage, you will need to hire a professional who can use a snake to unclog the line.
Valves that are used often can get fused together. Maintain the water valves every so often with a qualtiy penetrating oil, and rotate them every so often so they don't stick.
You must know what to do in the face of an emergency before it ever happens. Keeping on top of maintenance is likely to stop problems before they even start. Heed our tips, and you'll have what you need to solve your plumbing problems.