Water may be needed to live, though it can be the cause of frustration for anyone that is dealing with a plumbing issue. Serious plumbing disasters can be extremely damaging to any home. Luckily, there are many different ways to address plumbing problems before they get bad.
Ensure that a septic tank is emptied approximately five yearly, and make sure it is properly maintained. Septic systems can back up when the septic tank builds up sediment. This can even result in the septic system failing altogether. Hiring a professional to pump out your septic tank is costly, but it is far preferable to the damages that could be incurred if the tank becomes backed-up or inoperative.
Do not pay anything until the problem is fixed. Sometimes it is required to put a little money down before the job starts, but don’t ever pay the whole amount before you know the task is done correctly. This ensures that the plumber fully completes the job before getting paid.
Stay away from bleach tablets, blue tablets for the toilet and other toilet odor removers. While they are good at removing odors, they have a detrimental effect on the parts of the toilet that are rubber. This can make it not function correctly and may even break it.
If you have well water and discover orange or pink discoloration on your bathtub or sink, you probably have iron in your water supply. Water softener can help this problem, and you can buy that at a store. Alternatively, you can hire someone to handle it.
Pour equal parts baking soda followed by vinegar down your bathtub drain once a month. Cover it with a plug or rag, since a chemical reaction should happen in the pipes. Let that sit for a while, and then run boiling hot water down it. This should help clear your pipes of accumulated hair and soap scum.
When running your garbage disposal, always use a lot of cold water. Cold water helps the blades stay sharp and keeps the disposal running smoothly. If you use hot water, any grease in the disposal will turn into liquid, while causes pipe clogging.
Efficient Shower
You can save a lot of money in your energy bills by putting in efficient shower heads. The shower uses most of the hot water. A single energy efficient shower head can save you $100 a year.
If you notice water draining into your dishwater, check your kitchen sink. The hose might not be installed properly. A hose that is properly installed should lead uphill, then downhill, to discourage water from each area from mixing.
If you get grout in your pipes, you won’t be able to get it out by yourself. You can break the grout up and make it go further down the line. Plastic pipes are more conducive to clearing grout than metal pipes. You might have to get a professional to get rid of this issue.
When running your garbage disposal, plumbers recommend using only cold water to help ease food particles down the drain. While many people think that running water in conjunction with the disposal will cause it to work more efficiently, it simply isn’t true. It can even cause what you put down the disposal to stick, causing damage to the unit.
Drain Cleaners
Stop cleaning a persistent clog with harsh drain cleaners. Drain cleaners use abrasive chemicals that are not only harmful to you but also to your pipes. Call a professional if you notice your drain is still clogged up.
There are two ways to remove stubborn clean-out plugs. The first method involves a hammer and chisel to loosen the fitting. Your other option to try is to chisel through the out plug.
When winter is on the horizon, it is particularly important to check your outside water fixtures to ensure they aren’t leaking or dripping. If there are drips or leaks, then the repairs need to be make prior to any freezing temperatures. Regardless of what the pipes in your house are made out of, freezing water will cause them to crack. Even a very tiny crack can cause water to get out and flood your home, or at least cause some water damage.
Education is essential when dealing with plumbing issues, because knowing nothing about the topic will cause people to spend big bucks on a plumber. If you’re a homeowner, it’s important you know enough to understand what a plumber is doing in your house. If you’re armed with knowledge, you’re much less likely to be ripped off.
Washing Machine
If your washing machine’s drain pipe backs up, the first step is to snake it with a regular pipe snake. Lint can transfer from a washing machine to the pipes and clog them.
Avoid the chemical drain cleaners if you need to unclog any drains. The chemicals can be damaging to your skin, but will open your drain. If you plan to use them, wear long sleeved shirts and gloves.
Preparation and plumbing education are what is needed to avoid plumbing mishaps. Knowing as much as you can about plumbing will lead to making sound decisions and avoiding costly plumbing problems. Furthermore, taking the initiative to thoroughly research and study the problem in advance of making repairs will save time and money.