Clogged drains are a problem for several people, as substances like food particles, hair, and other blockage can make a sink or toilet overflow. With a little prevention and purchasing a product like Dran-O, you can try plumbing by yourself. Read this article for some tips on how to do plumbing yourself.

Do not try to sell a product that you do not agree with. This includes paying attention to the company itself and their values and policies. If you have any qualms about the company, your customers will pick up on it. You want to be a full supporter of the product you are selling

Avoid frozen pipes this winter! Keep a small trickle of water dripping from faucets, and wrap your uninsulated pipes with foam or newspaper. If possible, keep the doors open between unheated and heated rooms. In an unheated area such as a garage or laundry room, keep a small heater next to the pipes. Remember to do this before the first cold snap hits.

Only pay pay the plumber once the job is done. You may be required to put some money down before a job is started, but never pay the total cost until you know the job has been completed correctly. You should make sure the plumber did a good job before you pay in full.

In order to avoid unsightly and unnecessary clogs in your shower, invest in a drain strainer. This cost-effective addition to your shower will gather your hair before it makes it to the drain, and limit the chances that you will find yourself showering while standing in a clogged up mess.

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 agent is visible in the water in the bowl, the tank is leaking, and you will have to have it repaired.

Do not attempt fixing your garbage disposal with bare hands. Garbage disposals can be dangerous, even when they are turned off. Hire a professional, or at least find your owner’s manual to look at a diagram of the disposal. Many owner’s manuals are available online, and may even contain interactive troubleshooters.

You can pour baking soda down a drain followed by some vinegar if you want to keep drains clear. This should be done once a month, and a cup each of baking soda and vinegar should be used. This will cause the vigorous bubbling you may remember from the “volcano” in a grade school science project, so be sure to close the drain with a stopper. Let it sit a few minutes, then wash it all away with boiling water. Although this is useful for clearing away simple clogs made of hair and soap debris, it will not work for serious blockages.

Use a cleaner that is enzyme based if you want to clean clogged pipes. These will utilize natural bacteria to transform sludge into a liquid that can be removed. The most highly recommended pipe cleaners are enzyme cleaners.

You should always clean your dryer’s lint trap. This will save you trouble, such as preventing fires. Be sure you inspect your lint trap for tears or holes that could mean lint is going into your pipes, which can cause clogs and issues.

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.

Clean the buildup of sediment from your aerator to increase your water pressure if it’s low. Take the aerator off, disassemble it, and brush it clean with a little vinegar. After rinsing the aerator, put it back together and reinstall it. This will improve the water pressure by clearing out blockages in the aerator.

During the week, hair and soap can build up in your drains and can cause serious clogs. Make sure that you have strainers in each of your drains to help catch this debris so that it does not become an issue. This will help to keep your water flowing efficiently.

When getting an estimate from a contractor on a job, make sure to ask how long the written estimate is good for. For big jobs you usually want to get estimates from a few different plumbers. Knowing how long your estimate is valid will help you know what your time limit is for making a decision on who to hire.

Hiring a plumber can be an expensive endeavor, and it may be unnecessary. Simple problems like clogged drains can be fixed at home without hiring a professional. Remember the tips in this article if you are having trouble with a sink or toilet overflowing or you need to clear a drain.