Knowing where to start can be confusing when you are first beginning to plumb. There are many things to take into consideration, and knowing which tools and instructions and equipment to use is important. These tips can help you become a much better plumber.

Avoid plumbing problems! Do not stop up the toilet! Some common items that will stop up a toilet include: toys, hair, paper towels, birth control items, and feminine personal products. Do not flush these items down your toilet – unless the instructions say otherwise! These can stop up your toilet – to the point that nothing else will work – except calling a plumber!

Before starting any plumbing project be sure to turn off the main water supply. Water damage can be one of the most expensive things to repair. To minimize damage turn the main water supply off as well as any shut off valves near where you are working. This will save a great deal of hardship later on.

If you want your garbage disposal to have the same lifespan as your total home, clean it regularly. By having a regular cleaning routine, which includes a combination of lemon rinds, dish soap and even pits from a cherry, your disposal can be kept smelling fresh and running smoothly for many years to come.

Basic problems with toilets can be a quick fix for even the rawest amateur plumber and is worth attempting if you can take the time to research the problem. Seek out the necessary part or parts from your local hardware store and ask for support in how to properly install them.

Frozen pipes are on of the most expensive plumbing problems. However, most of the time, you can prevent this from happening. The first step is to check your outside pipes and ensure they are well insulated. When cold weather sets in, turn off your outside faucets, disconnect all hoses and drain them. Doing so can prevent some nasty repair bills a professional plumber would charge you.

If you live in an area that sees routine freezing temperatures, make sure you do something to keep your pipes from becoming frozen as well. There are a wide variety of ways you can keep your pipes from freezing, which will help you avoid damage to your home and costly repairs.

Treating your drains every month is a great way to avoid future clogs and other problems, and it’s a very simple procedure. Just run one to two gallons of hot tap water down each drain in your house.

When chilly weather approaches, it is time to disconnect your water hoses from your outside faucets. If you forget to do this, water in the hoses can freeze and expand. This can cause the faucets and the connecting pipes inside your house to freeze and break. By simply rolling up your garden hoses and storing them for the winter, you can help prevent costly plumbing repairs.

During the winter months, your water heater works the hardest. To keep it in optimum condition, flush it out before winter arrives. Flushing the system helps remove the sediment buildup, which causes internal corrosion of your water heater, shortens its lifespan, and reduces heating efficiency. Connect a hose to the faucet near the bottom of the tank and drain several gallons by directing the water into a nearby drain.

Call different plumbers before choosing one. Plumbing prices among professionals are not uniform. Before you hire someone to fix a major problem, call two or three other plumbers to see what their prices are like. This can be difficult if you have a major plumbing problem that you need solved right away, but will save you money in the end.

Plumbing is not just about fixing water leaks. A plumber needs a wide array of different job skills to be able to do his job well. One of the most common things that a plumber works on is fixing water lines.

When installing a new water heater you need to keep your budget in mind for the upcoming purchase. Low entry gas water heaters usually start around $200 and they usually hold 40 to 50 gallons. Higher line heaters start around $400 and they usually have extra features like 12 year warranties.

When replacing any PVC type pipes in your home, make sure you buy the correct PVC for the job. PVC comes in several different sizes and grades as well as for different temperature applications. If the water going through the pipes is headed for the kitchen or bathroom, or is for laundry or gardening usage, it must be labeled as “Potable.”

As you obviously read in the paragraphs above, plumbing may actually be easier than you think! It just has a lot of basics to cover. All you need to do to start is do your homework, common sense, and best method to go about doing your job.