
It is a common occurrence after you purchase a home to eventually see plumbing problems start to crop up. The most common places these problems pop up is in the kitchen or in the bathroom. Every homeowner has to deal with plumbing issues. Some jobs can be done by the homeowner for a huge savings, so here is some advice to show you how.
If your pipes are so noisy that they sound like squeaking or hammering, you can easily solve this problem. Exposed pipes need to be properly anchored. You might have to call a professional to help finish the project if pipes are in floors, ceiling or walls.
If a water pipe freezes, you should turn the on tap that is nearest to the pipe to ensure the water has a place to get out when the pipe thaws out. This helps decrease any pressure in order to prevent burst pipes. A burst pipe can create damage that is expensive to repair.
If your garbage disposal is not working correctly, you should not try to fix it by putting your hand in through the drain. Garbage disposals can be dangerous, even if they are powered off. Try to find a diagram, or troubleshooting guide for your particular disposal on the Internet.
Don’t put oil, grease or fat into your drain. When they cool, they’ll harden and clog your drain. A garbage disposal can even become clogged by hardened grease and it will not run at optimum speed and efficiency. To keep your drain running efficiently, dispose of fats and oils in other ways besides pouring them down the drain.
If your home has well water and you start seeing orange or pink stains, that is from iron in your water supply. You should purchase a water softener to use, or ask a local business to make a visit to your residence and resolve the issue for you.
Keep the drain in your bathtub working well by pouring one cup baking soda into the drain quickly followed by about a cup of white vinegar. Cover it with a plug or rag, because a chemical reaction is sure to occur in your pipes. Wait a while, and then use boiling water to flush. This procedure should be able to clear pipes of hair and soap scum.
Always have cold water running when you are using your garbage disposal. The cold water helps the blades that are inside stay sharp, and will keep your disposal running smoothly. Hot water will liquefy grease and build up inside the drain, eventually causing clogs.
Homeowners cause themselves a disservice by not having a little plumbing knowledge prior to a plumbing problem. All homeowners should have at least a basic understanding on plumbing tools and improvement tips. If you encounter a plumbing issue at some point, the tips provided here will assist you in handling it.