
There are lots of problems that can go wrong with plumbing. Some plumbing issues are very easy to repair, others take some effort to deal with. It doesn't matter how skilled you are, it remains important that you know some plumbing basics so you can deal with issues as they arise.
To keep your pipes from freezing in the winter, maintain a constant temperature in your home above freezing, and be certain to adequately insulate those pipes that are out in the weather. Your pipes can freeze if the air around them fall below freezing. It may take some time to thaw out so that you can have running water. The worst case would be that they burst, which would result in significant repair costs and a mess to clean up.
If you discover a pipe has frozen, have the tap closest to it turned on so the water can exit while the pipe thaws. This will relieve pressure and might prevent the pipe from bursting, and could prevent cracks from appearing.
Septic Tank
Have a professional flush your septic tank every five years to keep it working well. 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.
If the water in your toilet is low along with the toilet being clogged, try pouring a small bucket of water into the bowl from about waist level if the level of water in the bowl is low. Do this every time the water level dips back down again.
Don't put things like fat, leftover frying fat or any oils down your sink drain. This can make your garbage disposal run less efficiently and slow. Make certain you dispose of oils in other places other than the sink.
If your home operates on well water and you notice pink or orange stains in your bathtub and other fixtures, 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.
Schedule all your plumbing work simultaneously.You may want to have each minor problem attended to as the occur, 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 visit to your home.
Run cold water through your sink when you turn on the garbage disposal. Cold water helps to maintain the sharpness of the blades sharp and makes the disposal run more smoothly.
Shower Heads
You can save lots on energy bills by putting in efficient shower heads. Most of the hot water is used in the shower. If you invest in purchasing and installing shower heads that are energy-efficient, you can save hundreds each year on your bills.
If you see unwanted water that keeps draining into your dishwasher, it's probably due to the kitchen sink's hose being improperly installed. 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 out your dryer's lint trap. This will ensure that your dryer operates efficiently 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.
Drain Cleaners
Don't use drain cleaners too much. Drain cleaners are composed of extremely corrosive chemicals and can actually damage pipes if used too frequently.If you do have a clogged drain, have a professional plumber examine the line.
If there is sewage backing up in your toilet, it's most likely the result of a sever blockage of the branch line that connects the sewage line and main line. If you cannot clear the blockage, you will have to contact a professional, usually a plumber's snake.
As previously stated, a million and one things can go awry with plumbing, ranging from the smallest to most pressing and expensive problems. Use the tips in the article above to deal with plumbing issues with less stress and confusion.