Getting Started On Your Home Plumbing Projects

TIP! Water hammer problems, pipe noise due to water hitting the back of the pipe, can be easily repaired. If pipes are exposed, you must anchor them.

Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t all that difficult to handle a few plumbing tasks around the home. Though it tends to be a lot easier if you have right education and advice to get the job done. This article is packed with plumbing tips to help you finish any plumbing project you begin.

TIP! If your pipes freeze, turn on the water from the faucet nearest them to let water out when they start to thaw. This can relieve the pipe pressure that could cause bursting and further home damage.

Your plumbing experience can go a lot smoother when you know your tools, as well as how to handle them properly. Read manuals and do some research on the internet before starting a plumbing project. Plan thoroughly before attempting a repair. Mistakes can be very expensive to fix.

TIP! Have your septic tank cleaned every five years to keep it in prime condition. Septic systems can back up when the septic tank builds up sediment.

Check the floor for soft areas around the toilet to determine floor damage. Straddle the toilet, then start rocking on each foot to check whether you feel softness or weakening on the floor under you. You can save money by noticing and treating this problem as early as possible.

TIP! Wait until a job is done before you pay for it. You may need to make a small down payment before the job has begun, but you never want to pay the entire amount until you are certain the job was completed to your satisfaction.

If your home runs on well water and you notice any orange or pink stains in your fixtures or tub, this is because of iron in your water. Using a water softener can help fix this problem. You can obtain a water softener at any home improvement store, or rent them from specialist companies.

TIP! Don’t be tempted to use commercial bleach tablets, blue toilet tablets or any other product that claims to prevent toilet odor. These tablets have chemicals that can damage rubber parts that are essential to the proper functioning of your toilet.

Keep your bathtub drain running well by pouring a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the drain each month. 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. After letting it sit for a few moments, clear the pipes out with a gallon of boiling water. By following this tip, you should be able to clear all the soap scum, hair, and other grime out of your pipes.

TIP! Put the strainer on top of drains to catch any food that would go down and cause a clog. Whenever large particles become trapped in the strainer, remove them.

You should always put plenty of cold water through your garbage disposal while it is running. The blades on the unit will remain sharper and disposal will proceed with few glitches. Hot water can liquify grease and cause it to collect in the drain, and that can clog the pipes.

TIP! Try to avoid putting things like fat, oils and grease down the sink drain. These substances will clog the drain as they cool and harden.

By installing shower heads that are more efficient, you will be able to save a lot of money. Hot water usage is mostly in the shower. A single energy efficient shower head can save you $100 a year.

TIP! If you live in a home using well water and your bathtubs have stains pink and orange in color, this is likely a result of iron levels in the well water. A water softener will take care of the issue.

If you have a shower head that needs replacing, be sure to get one that is good quality. There are some who think that low price is all that matters when buying fixtures for the bathroom. These types of fixtures are prone to breakage and are much less sturdy.

TIP! Whenever you have plumbing work that needs to be done, you should schedule all problems at one time. Rather than calling a plumber every time there is a minor problem, taking care of everything at once allows you to save money for additional repairs down the road.

If you have clogged pipes, try cleaning them with an enzyme pipe cleaner. These cleaners have natural bacteria in them, which turn sludge into liquid form that can be easily removed from your pipes. The enzyme cleaners are the best on the market.

TIP! Keep the drains in your bathtub working properly by pouring a cup’s worth of baking soda and than a cup’s worth of vinegar directly down your drain every month. Cover the drain up with a plug or old rag, as there will be a chemical reaction in the pipes.

Clean out your dryer’s lint filter. By keeping it clean, you can prevent fires and other problems. Inspect your lint trap every so often for tears or holes that could cause lint to go into your pipes, this could cause clogs or other problems you will have to deal with.

TIP! To lessen the chances of toilet problems, do not use as a place to put trash. Don’t flush paper towels, diapers, cotton balls, tissues or any other materials besides toilet paper.

If you’re removing clean out plugs and you’re unsuccessful, you can use two methods to do it successfully. The first one is to use a hammer and chisel to attempt loosening the fitting. You can also chisel into the plug.

The valves will fuse together if they are not used. Maintain them with penetrating oil, and rotate them every so often so they don’t stick.

TIP! If waste material comes up the wrong way into your toilet, you have something clogging the works below the street. Get help from a professional.

You should contact your local Consumer Affairs Department before you hire any plumber. You will be able to check their license and know if people have complained about this specific contractor. Plumbers that you contract to work on your house should both have a current license and a good standing with their previous clients.

TIP! Education is essential when dealing with plumbing issues, because knowing nothing about the topic will cause people to spend big bucks on a plumber. If you’re a homeowner, it’s important you know enough to understand what a plumber is doing in your house.

As was discussed at the beginning of the article, while plumbing can be an extremely difficult chore for anyone to complete, it becomes significantly easier if you have the right advice and information. Use the advice from this article, and you’ll be on your way to doing your own plumbing.

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