If you’re a homeowner unfamiliar with plumbing, you’re probably familiar with the experience of being charged an arm and a leg for what seems like a simple plumbing repair. If you’d like to avoid this experience again, read on for some advice and tips on how to fix your own plumbing.

When starting a plumbing project that is due to loud noises in your pipes empty the pipes first. This can be an easy fix to an otherwise wasted huge job. Just close the main water line and open the facets throughout the house. After the water has stopped flowing turn the water on from the main source and check to see if the noise is eliminated.

Having your septic tank pumped out on a regular basis will keep it functioning properly. This keeps the sediment from building in the tank, which can cause septic tank failure or back up into your house. White, it is somewhat expensive to pump the septic tank, it will be much more expensive should you need to clean backup, repair your septic tank or replace it altogether.

If you have issues with the plumbing making a hammering sound when you turn it off, check your water pressure. Any time your water pressure is above 80 PSI, you will hear extra water noise. This can be easily solved by the installation of a pressure-reducing valve, which can be done by most homeowners.

You need to winter-proof your house. You have to make sure you switch off the master circuit breaker or the shut-off valve before you leave your house. Since one small hole or congested water can quickly freeze and cause pipes to break and expand, you need to drain and open all outdoor and household water lines.

If you have a clogged toilet with the water level very low, and plunging it isn’t working, it’s possible to resolve this by pouring warm water from a bucket directly into the toilet bowl from about waist level. Do this as often as necessary if the water level dips back down again.

Do not pour grease or oil down any of your household drains. Put them in containers and place in the fridge until they are solid, then throw them away. If you pour them down the drain, they can solidify in cold pipes. These solid masses will clog your pipes and are very difficult to remove.

Making sure you know all of your problems so you can have them fixed by one plumber visit is very beneficial. Having them all fixed in one visit takes a lot of money off of your bill because you don’t have to pay for the visit multiple times so make sure you make a list first.

Do not put your hand in the garbage disposal to remove a clog. This can be potentially harmful. Always use tongs to get out whatever is stuck in the disposal. Using tongs is much safer, and you will make sure your hand does not get cut on the disposer’s sharp blades.

Some people have problems with their plumbing system in that the pipes sweat and drip condensation. You do not have to hire a plumber to take care of this nuisance. You can purchase self-adhesive drip tape from your local hardware store. This drip tape will insulate your “sweating” pipes which are dripping with moisture built up from condensation. To make sure the tape sticks firmly, dry the pipe thoroughly before applying the tape.

If you want to try a pipe cleaner because your pipes are obstructed, it is recommended you use a cleaner that is enzyme-based. These cleaners turn the sludge into a liquid using natural bacteria, and then the liquid flows out of the pipes. The cleaners which use enzymes are currently rated the best available.

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.

Plumbing isn’t as hard as it can seem when you have access to good information and advice about how to go about solving your own plumbing problems. Next time you have plumbing problems in your house, try applying the tips from this article and see if you can save some money by solving it yourself!