Plumbing maintenance is one of the biggest responsibilities of home ownership. There are many reasons why calling a plumber might not be an option, and in some cases it is not even necessary. If you want to learn how to work with your plumbing system, read this article.
You should clean your septic tank every five years! Having your septic pumped will keep sediments from settling to the bottom of the septic tank and causing the tank to malfunction or backup. The cost to have your tank pumped might be a little steep, but it sure beats the alternative of dealing with sewage in your home or on your property.
Pass on seemingly convenient cleaning products like bleach tablets and blue toilet tabs. These products will reduce the smell, but they will also cause problems with the rubber gaskets. Over time, the damage will accumulate and could eventually stop the toilet from functioning at all.
Place a strainer on top of every drain so that you collect all debris that has the ability to clog the drain. Anytime there is something caught in your kitchen drain, you should clean it out. You should also clean your bathtub strainer any time it is slow to drain.
Overflow Holes
Ensure your overflow holes aren’t clogged up. These passages allow your sink to fill up without overflowing onto your floor, and if they’re blocked that can cause you a major headache. Clean overflow holes as part of your annual maintenance, and any other time you are handling general plumbing repairs.
If you want avoid future issues with your toilet, don’t treat it like a trash can. Nothing should be flushed down the toilet except human waste and toilet tissue. Flushing sanitary napkins, diapers, disposable napkins, and other materials is a sure recipe for a clogged drain and a backed-up toilet. Additionally, use the minimum amount of toilet paper required to clean up after you are done.
Now you know that there are plenty of things you can do to increase your plumbing skills. Using these tips can save you a lot of money and damage to your house, and can prevent needless calls to the plumber.