Handy DIY Plumbing Tips For The Homeowner
Are you intrigued by how your plumbing system works? Plumbing can be intimidating to many people on the surface, but it is really not that difficult to learn. Many plumbing issues can be addressed by a simple fix. You can start learning more about plumbing by reading this article for some useful tips.
Before you start a plumbing project you should tighten all of the pipes that are easily accessible. Especially if your pipes are making a range of loud banging sounds, as this is a clear sign that there are loose pipes along the line. It is also a good idea in case there is a clog so the excess pressure released does not break a loose pipe.
Pump out your septic tank at least every five years to keep it in proper working condition. Doing so avoids sediment build-up so that you don’t have any kind of septic system backup. Getting your septic tank drained occasionally may be expensive, but it’s dirt cheap compared to the cost of repairing a damaged septic system or the cleanup cost when raw sewage backs up into your home.
Group all of your plumbing repairs before scheduling a plumber to come out. Check all of your fixtures and faucets. If anything is dripping, running, or clogged, make a list for the plumber. That way, when the plumber comes, they can do all of the jobs in one visit. This will cut down on charges.
Use your garbage disposal with the cold water running so that you can preserve the blades of the disposal. Using hot water makes grease more liquid and can cause problems, including clogs. Make sure to clean blades by putting in a little dish detergent and running cold water at the same time.
Make sure you clean out overflow holes in your kitchen and bathroom sinks on a regular basis. These holes are intended to act as an emergency fail-safe to prevent spillage from a full sink, but if they are clogged they can’t do their job. You can clean out an overflow hole using the same techniques you would for a clogged drain.
Try to have all your plumbing repairs done at once. You may want to have each minor problem attended to as they occur, but having multiple repairs done at once allows you to save up for the cost. Doing this can also save you money since it’s common for plumbers to charge hourly rates. It’ll condense the total amount of time they need to spend to something you can more easily afford.
Many people deal with clogged toilets. However, if your toilet will not flush every time, the water rises to the top, and there is a bubbling effect occasionally, this can be due to a much deeper blockage in the main pipe. The main pipe must then be cleaned in order for your toilet to work properly.
Before the cold season hits, check out the condition of the gutters on the roof of your house. Remove all debris, leaves and branches so that you can have a smooth flow of water and easy drainage. Caretaking in advance will help to prevent serious issues with plumbing down the road.
Don’t bother running water when you use your garbage disposal. Water will not make your garbage disposal run smoothly. The moisture can actually bond the trash to your disposal, harming things further.
To be able to get a good plumber you can be comfortable with, remember which of your friends are actual homeowners and not renting. At some point, every homeowner has had to call in a plumber. They can give you a good personal reference they had a positive experience with.
If you have a lot of hair in your shower drain, be sure to get a stopper and put it in the drain. This will catch the hair from going down the drain, which can clog it. Just make sure that you remove hair that is already in the drain before using the stopper.
As you can see, plumbing is not rocket science. All you need to do is to find reliable sources that will give you great tips on addressing plumbing problems. The time you invest in educating yourself on plumbing issues will be time well-spent because it will save you a lot of money in the long run.