Water is the source of life, but it is sometimes a nemesis to a homeowner with plumbing problems. Nothing except for a natural disaster will cause more harm to a home than a serious plumbing problem. Luckily, there are many different ways to address plumbing problems before they get bad.
Noisy pipes that make squeaking or hammering sounds are an easy problem to fix. You will need to anchor any exposed pipes. You might have to call a professional to help finish the project if pipes are in floors, ceiling or walls.
Have your septic tank cleaned every five years to keep it in prime condition. Regular maintenance will keep sediment from backing up inside of the tank. Sediment can not only cause the sewage in the tank to back up into your house, but it can cause the tank to fail completely. Although it is somewhat of an expense to pump out a septic tank, it is nothing compared to what you will have to spend on cleaning up a backup of sewage or repairing or replacing your septic system.
Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal is having problems, don’t give in to the desire to attempt a fix by reaching down into the disposal. Your garbage disposal is a dangerous device, even when turned off. Look for a diagram of the garbage disposal you have on the Internet.
Place a strainer over the drains to collect anything that could clog and cause stoppage. Clean debris from these strainers after each use. Keep the bathroom drains cleaned out too.
Use lots of cold water when you run your garbage disposal. The cold water keeps your blades sharp, which helps your disposal run smooth. 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.
By installing shower heads that are more efficient, you will be able to save a lot of money. Most of the hot water we use is in the shower. Installing the energy-efficient heads, you will be able to save in excess of $100 per year.
Don’t use your toilet like a trash can, and you minimize potential problems. Don’t flush anything that is unlikely to dissolve and wind up clogging pipes, such as diapers, tissues, paper towels and cotton balls. As well, use just enough toilet paper to clean yourself!
Preparation and plumbing education are what is needed to avoid plumbing mishaps. The homeowners who educate themselves about plumbing are more prone to make better decisions regarding plumbing issues. By the same token, the homeowner who researches and prepares for tackling a plumbing problem beforehand will be able to fix the problem quicker and easier.