
While plumbing is an expansive field that can seem intimidating at first, picking up a few basic skills doesn’t have to be hard. There are many resources to teach you what you need to know while you learn. This article offers some beginner-friendly advice for maintaining the plumbing in and around your own home.
If you have a frozen pipe, turn on the nearest faucet so the water has an escape route when the pipe starts to thaw. If there is too much pressure within the pipe, it may burst, causing other forms of damage in the home.
Make sure the job gets done by not paying your plumber until you are satisfied, and the work is completed. Sometimes it is required to put a little money down before the job starts, but don’t ever pay the whole amount before you know the task is done correctly. It is good to know that the plumber did everything as promised before he gets his money.
Don’t be tempted to use commercial bleach tablets, blue toilet tablets or any other product that claims to prevent toilet odor. The rubber parts of your system can be damaged by the chemicals contained in these tablets and stop functioning.
If you have a clogged toiled with a lower water lever, and the plunger isn’t working, try pouring in some warm water directly into the toilet. Once the water is lower, do this again.
You can check for damage to the floors around the toilets by checking for soft areas. Sit on your toilet and sway across both feet to feel if there are any spots less firm than the others. It’s important to catch and address floor damage problems as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more expensive the repair will be.
Baking Soda
Putting a cup of any kind of baking soda followed with a cup of white vinegar each month will keep your drain running smoothly. Cover the drain with a plug or rag as you wait for the chemical reaction between the vinegar and baking soda to happen in your pipes. After letting it sit for a few moments, clear the pipes out with a gallon of boiling water. Doing this will probably void your pipes of hair accumulations and soap scum.
If you notice water draining into your dishwater, check your kitchen sink. The hose might not be installed properly. The hose between the kitchen sink and the dishwasher has to have a peak in the middle so that the water can’t wash back in the wrong direction.
It doesn’t have to be as hard as you may think. As with any professional field, plumbing incorporates a large number of concepts and skills. Sometimes, you just need to have a clue about where to start so you feel comfortable jumping in. Hopefully, the tips above have done that for you.