Is Plumbing A Problem For You? Look At This
Fixing your own plumbing can be a difficult and intimidating thing to try. There are so many things to know, and it seems like it could be easy to accidentally break something and make the problem worse. However, taking care of common plumbing problems can be easy with the proper knowledge. Read on for some practical tips on solving and avoiding plumbing issues.
Act quickly if your pipes freeze! Shut off the water and open the faucet, enabling it to drain when it thaws. Starting with the faucet, and working your way to the iced-up area, aim a propane torch or hairdryer at the pipe – this will quickly defrost it. You could also wrap the pipe in a heating pad or aim a heat lamp at it, but this will take quite some time. The last resort is to wrap the pipe in rags and pour boiling water over it.
Routinely check your appliance connections and faucets around the house for any kind of obvious leaks or nearby signs of moisture. Not only do even the smallest leaks lead to a large waste of water and money, they also can lead to damage to your home or even the development of harmful molds.
If your water is coming out black, then most likely you have an iron and magnesium issue with your water. You need to contact a water softener company and get them to come out and assess your water. They will be able to fix the problem by adding a water softener.
At least once a year remove the faucet aerator and clean the screens. This helps it properly function. The function of a faucet aerator is to allow for an even flow of water and to conserve water. Be sure to clean out the aerator and you’ll notice these things working.
Keep the drains in your bathtub working properly by pouring a cup’s worth of baking soda and then a cup’s worth of vinegar directly down your drain every month. Plug the drain afterward or cover it with a washcloth, as the two chemicals are going to react with each other. After letting it sit for a few moments, clear the pipes out with a gallon of boiling water. This method should clear your pipes of accumulated hair and soap scum.
In order to keep your garbage disposal in optimal working condition, run it on a regular basis. Just a simple 60 seconds per day under cold water can keep it running clean and smooth. If not run regularly, your disposal can be susceptible to corrosion that will eventually make it inoperable.
Be sure to check your dryer and clear your lint trap of any debris. This can save you a lot of trouble, including preventing fires. Be sure to check the trap for tears and rips, because this can cause bigger problems as it may mean that lint is escaping into your pipes.
Never pour grease down the kitchen-sink drain. This will help you avoid clogs in your kitchen sink. Place grease in a can or other receptacles and dispose of it in the trash. Grease that has congealed on pots and pans can be wiped off with paper towels that can be thrown in the trash.
Before you can fix a toilet that does not flush properly, it is important that you find out what is causing the problem. Depending on what the problem is, you may be able to fix it yourself. However, more complicated toilet flushing problems may require the services of a plumber.
Cover pipes that are outside or in cool areas. Use heat tape to make sure that the pipes are completely covered and insulated. This will prevent frozen pipes in the winter, which can be an expensive problem. Check outdoor pipes for other problems such as leaks and cracks which are better to catch early.
As you can see, solving plumbing problems isn’t so hard when you know what you’re doing, or if you have the right advice. When you are well-informed it can save you a great deal of money. Make a note of what you’ve learned in this article and see how easy it is either to fix your own plumbing problems or at the very least, ensure that you get a good service from a professional.
