Plumbing For Dummies: Some Top Tips

TIP! You don’t want to end up with frozen pipes, so take preventive action, such as wrapping outside pipes with insulation, and keeping indoor temperatures above freezing at all times. Your plumbing can freeze if the air around it is below 32 degrees.

Plumbing problems can cause quite an uproar for a homeowner that is not familiar with fixing these types of issues. Hiring a professional can take way too long and cost way too much for a problem that probably could have been solved without a lot of trouble, if you only knew how. Read more to see how you can fix some simple plumbing problems!

TIP! If your water pipe has frozen, start water running in the faucet closest to the frozen pipe. This will give excess water somewhere to drain as the ice in the pipe thaws.

To keep your pipes from freezing in the winter, insulate all exterior pipes and be sure to keep your interior house temperature above freezing, even if the house is vacant. If the ambient temperature around the pipes is below freezing, the pipes can freeze. If they freeze, it will be awhile for them to gradually warm. Therefore, it will take some time for you to have running water again. However, they might burst, which will cause an enormous mess and repair bill.

TIP! Avoid paying the plumber until he finishes the job. Sometimes plumbers will request a cash deposit before any work can commence; however, you avoid paying the total bill until the whole job has been finished to your satisfaction.

Knowing which tools to use and how you should use them is an important skill when it comes to plumbing. Make sure you read all the directions and manuals, while also taking advantage of online resources and the library to help you with your projects. Have a good grasp of what you’re attempting to do before you do it, so you don’t have to repair your repair.

TIP! However, if you mix a cup of vinegar and a cup of baking soda and send them down your tub’s drain each month, the flow will keep going smoothly. The combination will cause a chemical reaction, so just place a cloth or other object over the drain after pouring.

While various toilet tablets and odor removers may be tempting, it’s best not to use them in your toilet. They may get rid of toilet odors, but they can damage the rubber in the toilet, which can cause it to break down completely or to not function at all.

TIP! Look at the overflow holes to ensure they aren’t clogged up. Overflow holes are one of those things which you forget about until you need them.

Use a strainer over your sink drain to catch food and other bits of material. Otherwise, you will likely get a clogged drain. Clean debris from these strainers after each use. You should clean out the strainer in your bathtub often.

TIP! It is important to run your faucet with cold water whenever you run your garbage disposal. The cold water helps the blades that are inside stay sharp, and will keep your disposal running smoothly.

Never pour grease or anything fatty or oily into your drain. These substances will create clogs after cooling in your drain. Oils are especially damaging to garbage disposals. Dispose of your oils in a coffee can or other suitable container instead of your sink.

TIP! Enzyme-based cleaners are the best bet for unclogging stubborn clogged pipes. These are cleaners that work by using natural bacteria to eat away at your clog, and turn it into a liquid that is then flushed from your pipes.

If you have a well at your home and notice pink or orange stains around the drains of your tub or sink, this is most likely caused by an excess 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! Fix issues with low water pressure by cleaning sediment buildup out of your faucet’s aerator. Remove the aerator, take it apart, and clean with a small brush dipped in vinegar.

Keep your garbage disposal clean and it will last longer. By regularly using a mixture of dish soap, cherry pits and citrus rinds, you can ensure that your disposal runs smoothly and smells as fresh as one that is brand new.

TIP! If you have plumbing problems caused by grout in the water lines, it is best not to attempt to fix it yourself. Do your best to break it up and flush it down.

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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