Tips For Fixing Plumbing Problems On Your Own

TIP! To prevent frozen pipes, always keep the living spaces in your house above freezing, even if you aren’t home. Any exposed pipes need to be insulated against the outdoor temperatures.

Working on your own plumbing can be a little confusing. There are many things you have to consider, from tools to regulations and everything in between. Continue reading to find all the knowledge you’ll need to fix your own plumbing and even install new fixtures!

TIP! Know your plumbing tools and exactly how to use them before you start on any plumbing repair. 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.

If you don’t want plumbing in your home frozen, then don’t let the inside temperature go under the freezing mark, and make sure any pipes that have no protection from the elements are thoroughly insulated. But, be advised that your pipes may freeze if the surrounding temperature near those pipes is less than freezing. In the best situation, it can take hours for frozen pipes to thaw and water to run freely again. The worst case scenario is a busted pipe and a costly repair.

TIP! You can unclog a toilet by pouring warm water in the bowl from waist level. You can repeat this procedure once the water returns to a low level.

If you discover that a water pipe has frozen, find the tap closest to the pipe so when the thaw happens, the water has an exit point. As such, bursting can be halted, saving you from even more costly damages.

Septic Tank

TIP! Don’t put things like fat, oil or grease down your drains. When they cool, they will harden and create clogs in your drains.

You should have your septic tank pumped once every five years for best performance. Deposit and debris build up in your tank can result in major problems. White it is somewhat expensive to pump the septic tank, it will be much more expensive should you need to clean backup, repair your septic tank or replace it altogether.

TIP! Pour baking soda and vinegar down your bathtub drain every month. Seal off the drain with a conventional plug or a piece of fabric while the natural chemical reaction takes place.

Keep your garbage disposal clean and it will last longer. By regularly “cleaning” the disposal with lemon rinds, cherry pits and dish soap, you can make sure that your garbage disposal is running well and smelling so clean it could be new.

TIP! Get a good quality replacement shower head. People try to save money by buying the least expensive shower head that is out there.

Schedule all the plumbing work at one time. Do not call a plumber for minor issues. You can save money by waiting to have everything fixed at the same time. Another reason it lowers costs is that plumbers bill per hour worked, and due to partial hour effects, doing all the work at once results in lower billable hours.

Garbage Disposal

TIP! Clean your dryer’s lint trap. This is a good idea for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is fire safety.

If you run your garbage disposal after working in the kitchen, use a large quantity of cold water. The helps sharpen the blades and clears out the drain mechanism. Running hot water down the drain while you are using the garbage disposal can cause the drain to clog from any grease that is in there liquefying.

TIP! If you have grout in your water line, you shouldn’t try cleaning it yourself because it will be pointless. You can try to break it up to send it on down the line.

If you see unwanted water that keeps draining into your dishwasher, the problem is most likely a hose running to your kitchen sink that was not correctly installed. The hose leading from the kitchen sink to the dishwasher must lead uphill and then back downhill in order to prevent mixing of water from both devices.

TIP! Don’t use drain cleaners if you can avoid it. If you utilize them too often you can damage your pipes.

Don’t skimp on quality when it’s time to replace that shower head. Some people think it’s alright to get the cheapest head for your shower in the store. Inexpensive shower heads are not terribly sturdy, though, and may not hold up to daily use.

TIP! You can use two different methods to remove clean out plugs. A hammer and chisel can be used to slacken the fitting.

Make sure to clean out the dryers lint trap. This will ensure that your dryer operates efficiently and prevents fires. Always check your lint trap for damage, such as holes or tears. This could allow lint to enter your pipes, leading to clogs or other plumbing complications.

TIP! Even if you only have one choice, research your plumber before he arrives. Though your insurer may determine the plumbing company that will work on your house, you still have the ability to look them up, read customer reviews and prepare for their visit.

In order to keep your plumbing bills as low as possible, keep in mind prevention is key. Drain clogs are a common plumbing expense. Too much hair will clog a drain. You can prevent hair from getting into your drains by simply installing a device on top of your drain such as a screen, which will trap the hair from getting into the pipes. It is much easier to remove the hair from a screen than it is to get it out of a pipe.

TIP! Research potential plumbers before hiring one. Some plumbers are not experienced enough or skilled enough to handle some jobs, and they can worsen your problem.

As you have seen, plumbing, while appearing intimidating, is not all that complicated. You need to learn the basics, however. All you need to begin is a bit of knowledge, work, and some common sense to seek the most helpful and effectual ways to complete the job.

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