Plumbing problems require proper repairs from a experienced do-it-yourselfer or a licensed plumber. There is usually a few different ways to fix each individual plumbing problem, but if you use the tips below, they will help you fix your plumbing and not have problems in the future.
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. Your pipes can freeze if temperatures around them fall below freezing. The best result you can hope for from frozen pipes is to be without water until the pipes thaw. The worst case would be that they burst, creating water damage and a big repair bill.
You can check for damage to the floors around the toilets by checking for soft areas. Straddle your toilet and gently rock foot to foot to see if your floor feels a little weak or soft. Discovering this issue sooner can mean big savings for your checking account, as compared to finding out about it later.
Try to never pour grease, fat, or any oil-based liquids into your drains. Oils will eventually harden and clog up your drain. Your garbage disposal is particularly vulnerable to this issue, as the fat solids will slow the motion of the blades. This results in the disposal operating less efficiently. Make certain you dispose of all oils in other places other than the sink.
If you live in a home using well water and your bathtubs have stains pink and orange in color, this is likely a result of iron levels in the well water. This is something that needs to be taken care of by water softener, which you can buy at a store, or have a company come out to your house and take care of it for you.
Keep the garbage disposal clean to make sure it will last as many years as your house does. By regularly incorporating a routine using a combination of dish soap, lemon rinds, and even cherry pits, you can keep your disposal running smoothly and smelling as fresh as the day it was installed.
Shower Heads
Installing efficient shower heads could save you a lot of money when it comes to your energy bill. Hot water usage is mostly in the shower. By installing shower heads that are energy-efficient, you can save over a hundred bucks or more per every shower head in the home.
Dishwashers that have too much water running into them could have a hose installed improperly. Your hose must run in a hill pattern to avoid water mixing. Think of the St. Louis Arch — start from your sink, go uphill with the hose, and then down before connecting to the dishwasher. This way, only pressurized water can travel through the hose. Leakage won’t be an issue.
Lint Trap
Keep your dryer’s lint trap clean. This will ensure that your dryer operates efficiently and prevents fires. See to it that you look at the lint trap and find out if it has tears or holes in it that could cause lint to go inside your pipes. This could lead to clogs or other problems in the future.
Try not to use drain cleaners if you can. The chemicals found in drain cleaners are very corrosive, and can end up damaging your pipes if you use them too much. If you discover that you have a blocked drain, the best course of action is to hire a professional to call by and examine it for you.
If you have to take out the clean out plug and cannot do it, you can do it this two ways. You can loosen the fitting with a hammer and a chisel. Your second option is to simply chisel through the plug itself.
If sewage is backed 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. A professional can help if you can’t clear the problem yourself. They will use a plumbing snake to get rid of the clog.
If you’re ready to conquer plumbing issues, keep these tips in mind. Getting a plumber for the job that is effective, affordable, and has a proven record can end up being more difficult than fixing the pipes alone. Follow the advice here and take it to heart.
