Water is important to all life forms, but it can be the bane of the frustrated homeowner who has to deal with plumbing problems. A plumbing problem is one of the worst things that can happen to a home. The good news is that those who own their homes can take action to safeguard themselves so that issues do not occur.
If you have pipes that sound as if they’re squeaking or hammering, it’s an easy fix. If pipes are exposed, you must anchor them. Enlisting the aid of a professional may be necessary if any of the pipes are located in the floors, walls, or ceiling.
Water hammer problems, pipe noise due to water hitting the back of the pipe, can be easily repaired. You must anchor all exposed pipes. You may need the assistance of a professional in the case that the pipes are contained within a floor or ceiling.
To keep your pipes from freezing in the winter, insulate all exterior pipes and be sure to keep your interior house temperature above freezing, even if the house is vacant. Pipes will begin to freeze as soon as they reach freezing temperatures. It takes time for thawing to occur so you can have water again. However, frozen pipes often burst, causing damage to your home and a hefty repair bill.
Septic Tank
A great tip to use to stop your septic tank from backing up is to make sure you have it pumped at least every five years. This stop sedimentary particles from accumulating in the tank, and in the worst cases, flooding your home or making the entire system to fail. Pumping a septic tank might cost a lot of money, but it will cost your more money to clean any back up in sewage you may have had, and replacing your septic tank costs even more!!
You can greatly extend the life of your garbage disposal by regularly cleaning it. Using lemon rinds and cherry pits mixed with dish soap will help keep your garbage disposal operating efficiently and smelling fresh.
Don’t use harsh chemicals such as toilet tablets in your toilet. These products may well remove odors, but they have the side effect of damaging the rubber in your toilet, which can prevent your toilet from functioning correctly.
If your toilet is clogged, the water level in the toilet is low, and a plunger is not doing the trick, you may be able to resolve the problem by pouring a bucket of warm water into the toilet from waist level or higher. Repeat this once your water goes back to a lower level.
Use strainers on all drains to keep foreign objects and debris from clogging drains. Kitchen sink strainers should be cleaned every time they collect large food particles. You should also clean your bathtub strainer any time it is slow to drain.
If you notice water draining into your dishwater, check your kitchen sink. The hose might not be installed properly. The hose leading from the kitchen sink to the dishwasher must lead uphill and then back downhill in order to prevent mixing of water from both devices.
Use baking soda and one cup of vinegar per month to keep the bathtub drain clear and running well. Seal off the drain with a conventional plug or a piece of fabric while the natural chemical reaction takes place. Let it sit a few minutes, then wash it all away with boiling water. Doing this periodically should keep your pipes free of hair and soap scum.
Efficient Shower
You can save lots on energy with efficient shower heads. Most of the hot water we use is from showering. When you install an energy-efficient shower head, you will reduce your home’s water consumption, which means money left in your pocket.
An expensive plumbing issue to pay for repairs is when your pipes freeze. They can generally be prevented, though. Start by insulating the outside pipes fully. When wintertime comes, disconnect and drain your hoses and shut off outside faucets. Taking proper precautions can save you lots of money on plumbing bills.
The best way to avoid plumbing bills is to prevent problems before they happen. Clogs can be a major cause of plumbing problems. Hair is a common material in drain clogs. This can be prevented by using a drain cover or screen to keep the hair from going down the drain. It’s a lot simpler to eliminate hair that is on a screen than eliminating it off a pipe.
It is important not to run water while using a garbage disposal. A lot of people assume that running water while running the disposal will help the contents to flush through better, but really this is not helpful. In point of fact, sending water and garbage through the disposal together can shorten its lifespan by encouraging more waste to stick to the moving parts.
Stay away from drain cleaners! Their chemicals are extremely corrosive, and they may damage your pipes if used too often. Sometimes, finding a professional to fix a blocked drain is the best way to solve the problem.
When using the garbage disposal, do not even bother running the water. A lot of people assume that running water while running the disposal will help the contents to flush through better, but really this is not helpful. It could even cause food to stick to the blades of the disposal, creating damage.
Always check for leaks in and around your toilets. To find out if your toilet is leaking the only thing you need to do is place a few drops of food coloring in the tank of your toilet. Look at its bowl, then if you spot any colored water within just a few seconds, there’s an issue that must be dealt with soon.
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 water is continually dripping, you need to make some repairs on your own before the temperature drops below freezing. Whether your pipes are made of plastic, copper or steel, the water pressure caused by freezing water will make them crack. Even a very small crack can cause significant water damage or even can flood your entire home.
Preparation and plumbing education are what is needed to avoid plumbing mishaps. Even just learning the basics will go a long way to prevent costly and damaging mistakes. Keep the above tips in mind to be better prepared to quickly fix any plumbing problems that do arise.
Choose your drain cleaner with care. Many of these cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can corrode pipes. Be certain to choose a brand that claims to be gentle on pipes. Certain chemicals can kill bacteria that are important in your pipes, or even be poisonous.