TIP! Knowing your tools and how to use them can help greatly in your plumbing experience. Read manuals and do some research on the internet before starting a plumbing project.
Everyone has plumbing questions, every now and then. We want to know how we can fix things ourselves and to learn basic maintenance tips. Read on to learn the answers to these questions so that you can handle plumbing problems yourself.
Septic Tank
TIP! Ensure that if something goes wrong in your garbage disposal that you resist any and all urges you have that might make you want to put your hands inside to fix a problem. Even an un-powered garbage disposal presents significant danger.
A great tip to use to stop your septic tank from backing up is to make sure you have it pumped at least every five years. Doing this prevents any sediment from getting built up within the tank, which causes a backup in your home or causes your entire septic system to fail. It may be a bit expensive to pump a septic tank, but it will be very expensive to clean up an emergency sewage problem.
TIP! Don’t pour cooking grease, leftover frying fat or any oils down your sink drain. When they cool, they’ll harden and clog your drain.
Toilet discs and odor removers should never be used in your toilet. While they may make your toilet smell pretty, they can erode the rubber parts in the toilet and cause it to stop working.
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 with an old rag, because there will be a chemical reaction taking place inside the pipes.
Frequently inspect the floors around toilets for softness; this can tell you whether or not the floors are damaged. Straddle your toilet and gently rock foot to foot to see if your floor feels a little weak or soft. You can save money by noticing and treating this problem as early as possible.
TIP! Save money by getting better shower heads. Your shower consumes a majority of the hot water usage in your home.
Use a drain strainer to prevent small particles from sliding down your drain and causing clogs. Kitchen sink strainers should be cleaned every time they collect large food particles. Strainers placed in a bathtub can be cleaned periodically.
Overflow Holes
TIP! Be sure to regularly clean out the lint trap that is in your dryer. This can prevent troubles, including fires.
Check overflow holes regularly to prevent blockage. Overflow holes catch the excess water from an overflowing sink. They may not sound like a matter of great importance until you actually need them. Periodically clear out the overflow holes when doing your other checks for things that may need repaired.
TIP! Good management and prevention can help you save money on plumbing. Drain clogging is a very common plumbing problem.
Remember that your toilet is not intended to be used to dispose of trash. Don’t flush cotton balls, diapers, paper towels, or anything else that doesn’t dissolve, as these can clog it. Also, be conservative in your use of toilet paper.
TIP! Frozen pipes can be a disaster and cause you so much money. Fortunately, it’s usually an avoidable problem.
Use enzyme based cleaners when cleaning clogged pipes. These cleaners employ helpful bacteria which process the sludge lining your pipes, and turn it to liquid. Enzyme cleaners are preferred by many to clear clogged drains.
TIP! Clean the aerator to adjust water pressure issues which result from sediment build up. First, you should remove and disassemble the aerator.
When water pipes freeze, the damage can be extensive and costly. This, however, is typically preventable. Find out if all of your outdoor pipes are properly insulated. When it gets cooler, drain and disconnect the hoses and shut off your outside faucet. Taking proper precautions can save you lots of money on plumbing bills.
Plumbing System
TIP! Research your plumber online even if you are in the position of not having the choice in which plumber is going to enter your home..
Always learn about the options before you actually begin working on home or public plumbing system. If you keep an eye on your plumbing system regularly, you’ll notice issues before they become major concerns. Remember the tips in this article to be able to handle your plumbing at home.