Everyone who owns a home knows how common plumbing problems can be. These issues tend to crop up somewhere near or in the bathroom, and also around the kitchen. Unfortunately, you should expect that plumbing issues can arise at any given time. Continue on for some helpful tips so you can take care of these problems if they happen.
If you have a pipe that freezes, you should turn on the faucet that is close to the pipe; this way, the water has a place to go. This assists you in relieving pressure within the pipe, and could stop any bursting from occurring, which can prevent additional damage to your home.
Wait until a job is done before you pay for it. 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. This ensures that the plumber fully completes the job before getting paid.
Garbage Disposal
Never reach into a garbage disposal that you think isn’t working. Even if it is are switched off, a garbage disposal can be very dangerous. 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.
Keep grease, fat and oil out of your kitchen drain. As they cool off, they can solidify and effectively create clogs and blockages in your drains. This is very true for garbage disposal, since fat will make the blades run less quickly and efficiently. Keep a container in your kitchen that is used specifically for discarded grease.
Keep your bathtub in good shape by using a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar down its drain monthly. Use a plug or rag to cover the drain, because there will be a chemical reaction in the pipes. Allow some time to pass, then follow up by pouring down boiling hot water. Doing this will clear your pipes of any soap scum or hair that has accumulated.
Overflow Holes
Ensure that the overflow holes in your sinks are not clogged. Overflow holes exist to act as a double check in case of an overfilling sink. That may seem unimportant – but it will become a problem if they are clogged. Clean the overflow holes when you can, like when doing periodic checks for various other repairs and problems.
If you operate the disposal on your sink, run plenty of cool water. The cold water will help keep the blades nice and sharp and will allow for a much smoother disposal. If you use hot water, any grease that is in the disposal will turn to liquid, and sit inside of the drain, which can clog your pipes.
An enzyme based cleaner is an excellent way of unblocking clogged pipes. These cleaners have natural bacteria in them, which turn sludge into liquid form that can be easily removed from your pipes. The best cleaner available on the market are the enzyme ones.
When you have a problem with the plumbing, the worst thing to do is not be prepared. All homeowners should know the basics of plumbing. If you’ve got a plumbing issue down the road, the tips you learned should help you a lot.
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