It can be hard to know where to start when it comes to fixing your plumbing. There are many different tools and equipment that will need to be purchased along with a lot of directions and regulations that need to be followed. Continue reading to find all the knowledge you’ll need to fix your own plumbing and even install new fixtures!

If your pipes bang when you turn on the water, and all the pipes are anchored correctly, you should add some straps or cushion the pipes with a rubber blanket. There may be times when you will need to do both. Make sure that if you have copper pipes, you are not using galvanized straps.

Before starting any plumbing project on your own be sure to do a great deal of research. There are many resources available to assist you in understanding your plumbing system and help you to avoid many common mistakes made by do-it-yourself novices. Reading about other people’s mistakes can make the difference between saving or losing money.

Use the sounds you hear from your pipes to help you to determine what the problem is. Certain sounds mean the water pressure is too high. Other sounds can signify loose pipes or slight clogs from calcium or iron buildup. Listening to your pipes can save you a lot of money hunting down the problem.

You can check your toilet for leaks by adding a few drops of food coloring, Kool-Aid, or some coffee grounds to the water in the toilet’s tank (not the water in the bowl). Check the water in the bowl after a half hour or so. If any of the coloring agents are visible in the water in the bowl, the tank is leaking, and you will have to have it repaired.

Ensure that the overflow holes in your sinks are not clogged. The overflow holes help prevent a sink from spilling. When blocked, they don’t work properly and the water can spill out onto the floor. When you do periodic checks for any other problems or repairs that are needed, take the time to clear the holes that are there to protect you from overflow.

Do not overload your garbage disposal. If you need to dispose of large items, cut them up into smaller pieces. Also, do not put too much in at a time, but one or two items in, and wait a few seconds to dispose of the rest. Overloading your disposal can cause the engine to overheat.

If your drain in any device is taking longer to drain water, then you may need to have your pipes professionally cleaned depending on the severity of the circumstances. Before you do this, there are several different products you can try. However, some of them are professional strengths and all products should be used with caution.

You can remove unsightly mineral buildup from your shower head by soaking it in vinegar overnight. This loosens the deposits, and in the morning you only need to wipe off the residue with a rag. If your shower head is high up and not removable, place vinegar in a plastic bag, slip the bag over the showerhead and hold it in place with a twist tie.

Do not forget to check the temperature of the water heater in your house, especially if you are planning to leave for an extended period of time. You should keep the temperature no higher than 120 degrees, which will help to reduce energy use and prevent your system from burning out.

If you have problems with a slow drain, there are easier things you can do other than removing the pipes to clean it. There are certain tools made just for this purpose that you insert into the drain to loosen the clog so it washes away or grabs it and remove it completely.

Many people wonder where the fruit flies are coming from. Each plumbing fixture has a self-sealed reserve that holds about two cups of water. If those pipes are broken or do not seal off, then odors and residue can cause fruit flies. It is recommended before anything to clean your pipes using bleach. If the flies come back, contact a professional.

Plumbing doesn’t have to be complicated, especially if you know what you’re doing. There are just certain aspects of plumbing a person needs to know. You must simply study, use your head, and try hard to determine exactly what must be done to deal with your plumbing problem.