Solid Plumbing Advice For The Do-It-Yourself Homeowner

TIP! To maintain a clean, well-functioning septic tank, it is recommended that you clean it out once every five years. Septic systems can back up when the septic tank builds up sediment.

There are so many things to consider when it comes to doing your own plumbing that it can often be hard to figure out where to start. The tips laid out here can help you realize what information you need to be a skilled plumber.

TIP! Make sure the job gets done by not paying your plumber until you are satisfied, and the work is completed. You may need to pay some money in the beginning, though you should not pay the full cost until you can be certain that the job was done correctly.

It’s easy to fix noisy pipes which squeak or sound like hammering. If pipes are exposed, you must anchor them. You might have to call a professional to help finish the project if pipes are in floors, ceiling or walls.

TIP! You can resolve most toilet clogs yourself. Try a plunger first.

Wait to give compensation to a plumber until they are finished with their work. In some cases, you have to make a down payment prior to the first day of work. This is okay to do; however, don’t let your plumber talk you into paying the entire cost of a job before he’s finished, and never pay the whole cost before he’s even begun. This ensures that the plumber will not abandon the job midway, and will also care about the quality of their work more.

TIP! If your garbage disposal is having problems, don’t give in to the desire to attempt a fix by reaching down into the disposal. Garbage disposals pose a serious risk, even when flipped off.

You need to avoid using any kind of tablet or odor remover in your toilet if at all possible. It may help to get rid of your toilet’s odors, but it will damage any rubber parts, causing your toilet to malfunction, or even break down.

TIP! You should regularly check for water damage to your bathroom floor caused by your toilet in order to save money and further complications. Feel the floor around the toilet and check to see if the floor is soft, molded, chipping, etc.

If you have a clogged toilet and a plunger is not helping to clear the blockage, if the water level is low, pouring a bucking of boiling water from a height into the toilet bowl could resolve the problem. If one attempt doesn’t solve the problem, you can do it again once the water level stabilizes.

Garbage Disposal

TIP! Try to have all your plumbing repairs done at once. If a problem is minor, it can be wise to put off repair until you have more than one item to fix.

If your garbage disposal is giving you problems, never stick your hand in it to fix it yourself. Even an un-powered garbage disposal presents significant danger. Use the Internet to find a diagram of your device, or a troubleshooter.

TIP! An incorrectly installed hose from the kitchen sink to the dishwasher can cause unwanted water to drain into the dishwasher. The hose going from the dishwasher to the sink must go downhill, and then uphill, to prevent water mixing from the two devices.

You should put a strainer over your drains to catch anything that could clog your drain up. You should clean your strainer in your kitchen anytime you have anything in it. Strainers placed in a bathtub can be cleaned periodically.

TIP! Always remember to keep your dryer’s lint trap clean. By keeping it clean, you can prevent fires and other problems.

Don’t pour cooking grease, leftover frying fat or any oils down your sink drain. Whenever they cool, they tend to harden and make clogs inside your drains. They’ll also muck up your garbage disposal and cause it to be less efficient. Be sure to get rid of oil products away from your sink.

TIP! Good management and prevention can help you save money on plumbing. Clogs can be a major cause of plumbing problems.

If you have well water and discover orange or pink discoloration on your bathtub or sink, you probably have iron in your water supply. A water softener is the easiest way to solve hard water problems relating to rust, but you can also consult a plumber if you are unsure.

TIP! If your home has low water pressure, you can often fix the problem by cleaning out the aerators on your fixtures. Get rid of the aerator, remove it, and clean it with a brush dipped in some vinegar.

As you’ve seen, plumbing can seem intimidating, but it isn’t so tough. Once you understand the basic principles, the rest is easy as screw, twist, and flush. All it takes to decide where to begin is some research, work, and common sense to find the best and most effective method for your specific job.