Plumbing problems pose a headache for the homeowner that is not familiar with plumbing problems. Professional plumbers can have a wait time, and are very expensive for something that could usually be solved without too much trouble. Keep reading to arm yourself with some very useful plumbing advice!
Plumbing that constantly squeaks, pounds, and emits other noises is irritating but, fortunately, the problem is often easily fixed. Those pipes will need to be anchored if they are exposed. You might have to call a professional to help finish the project if pipes are in floors, ceiling or walls.
Don’t use any colored tablets that claim to be cleaners in your toilet. These products may well remove odors, but they have the side effect of damaging the rubber in your toilet, which can prevent your toilet from functioning correctly.
Check for softness in your floor to determine flood damage. Sit on your toilet and sway across both feet to feel if there are any spots less firm than the others. Picking up on any problems now will definitely work to save you money later. It’s the difference in a little maintenance and total floor replacement.
Never put fat, grease, or oils into your drain. These substances will harden as soon as they cool down, and clog your drains. This can make your garbage disposal run slower. You should dispose of all oils outside of the sink.
You can keep your bathtub pipes clear by pouring baking soda and vinegar down your drain once a month. Use one cup of each. Cover the drain with an old rag, because there will be a chemical reaction taking place inside the pipes. Wait for a bit, then flush with boiling water. Doing this will probably void your pipes of hair accumulations and soap scum.
Kitchen Sink
If you notice water draining into your dishwasher, check how the kitchen sink hoses are installed. This hose must lead uphill and downhill to prevent mixing water between the kitchen sink and the dishwasher.
Do not use your toilet to get rid of garbage. Don’t flush anything that is unlikely to dissolve and wind up clogging pipes, such as diapers, tissues, paper towels and cotton balls. You will also want to use the least amount of toilet paper as required.
Be sure to regularly clean out the lint trap that is in your dryer. This will save a ton of trouble for you, it will also prevent fires. Regularly check your lint trap for rips or holes which could let lint escape into your pipes and cause clogging.
If you have grout stuck in the line, it’s futile to try and clean it out yourself. You can attempt to dislodge the blockage or break it up to help remove it. This works best if your pipes are plastic rather than metal. This is a tough problem, however, that very often requires professional intervention.
If a plug needs to be removed, there are a few methods you can use. One way is to make the fitting looser with a hammer and chisel. Another option is chiseling through the relevant clean out plug.
If you have a toilet that is backing up, this can be from a blockage. If you are not able to remove the blockage, you need to contact a professional to snake the line clear.
Take the time to ensure that everyone in your family knows how to cut off the water from the valve in your home. Look closely for the water meter and it should be nearby. Fixtures, such as toilets and sinks, may also have individual shut-off valves. Make sure the entire family is familiar with these valves, and mark the shut-off position for ease of use.
Select your drain cleaners carefully. Some of these cleaners have chemicals that corrode your pipes. Choose a product advertised as being gentle on pipes. The harshest chemicals can eat away at your pipes, kill helpful bacteria and even affect your own health.
As you can see, plumbing problems don’t have to be so difficult. If you can solve the problem yourself, you can save time waiting for a plumber, as well as saving a whole lot of money. Try applying what you’ve learned from this article next time you have a plumbing problem!
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