
From time to time, we all have plumbing questions. It’s useful to be able to fix minor problems on our own, and it’s great to know some general tips about plumbing maintenance. The following article is going to give you advice to help you with any plumbing situation.
To prevent your frozen pipes from bursting, leave the nearest faucet on to give the water a way to escape. This assists you in relieving pressure within the pipe, and could stop any bursting from occurring, which can prevent additional damage to your home.
Avoid dumping oil, fat, and grease in your drain. These substances will clog the drain as they cool and harden. As an owner of a garbage disposal, this is important because the blades will stop working if they have fat on them. Be sure to get rid of oil products away from your sink.
Have all the plumbing repairs done in one visit. This allows you to save up for necessary parts and equipment while saving money on hiring a professional. Most plumbers have an hourly rate and a flat rate for the trip: asking a plumber to fix multiple problems in one trip is cheaper than calling them more than once.
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. Periodically clear out the overflow holes when doing your other checks for things that may need repaired.
Clean the lint trap in your dryer. This can save you a lot of trouble, including preventing fires. Be certain that you thoroughly inspect the trap to ensure there are no tears or holes that may allow lint to travel to the pipes.
The best way to avoid plumbing bills is to prevent problems before they happen. Clogged drains are a major problem that often requires professional help. Clogs in drains are often caused by buildups of hair. A great way to help prevent those clogs is to install a screen on top of the drain. Just make sure that it properly fits your drain. It’s more convenient to remove hair before it has a chance to get down the drain and into the pipes.
It’s important to learn a bit about plumbing before there is an emergency. Performing regular preventive maintenance is a great way to keep problems at bay. Take the tips you’ve read here and implement them into your plumbing strategy, preparing you to keep your plumbing in great shape and deal with any problems as they arise.