Problems with plumbing can cause problems in to home and also damage your belongings. Stop plumbing problems before they start by applying the following tips.
Keep your plumbing flowing by maintaining a temperature above 32 degrees and wrapping up any exposed pipe works. The pipes will be able to freeze if the temperature surrounding the pipes drops below freezing. It may take time to thaw so that you can have running water. The worst case scenario is a busted pipe and a costly repair.
If a pipe freezes, make sure you turn the closest faucet to allow the thawing water to exit. This assists you in relieving pressure within the pipe, and could stop any bursting from occurring, which can prevent additional damage to your home.
Septic Tank
A great tip to use to stop your septic tank from backing up is to make sure you have it pumped at least every five years. This will keep sediment from building and causing backup into the house, and possibly causing the septic system to fail. It may be a bit expensive to pump a septic tank, but it will be very expensive to clean up an emergency sewage problem.
Pass on seemingly convenient cleaning products like bleach tablets and blue toilet tabs. The rubber parts of your system can be damaged by the chemicals contained in these tablets and stop functioning.
Use a drain strainer to prevent small particles from sliding down your drain and causing clogs. You should clean your strainer in your kitchen anytime you have anything in it. Clean out the bathtup strainer every few days before it becomes clogged.
If your home runs on well water and you notice any orange or pink stains in your fixtures or tub, this is because of iron in your water. This can be remedied by using a water softener which can be purchased at a shop, or a company can pay a visit to your home and handle the situation for you.
If you have multiple plumbing problems, schedule all of them to be fixed together. You might be tempted to contact a plumber every time you face a small problem, but if you have problems repaired all at once, you will have time to save money for the fixes. Doing this can also save you money, since it’s common for plumbers to charge hourly rates. It’ll condense the total amount of time they need to spend to something you can more easily afford.
You should always put plenty of cold water through your garbage disposal while it is running. Cold water keeps blades sharp and encourage a smoother disposal. Avoid using hot water, as this will liquefy grease, causing it to build up in the drain and obstruct your pipes.
Install water-saving shower heads to reduce your energy costs. Your shower consumes a majority of the hot water usage in your home. Installing the energy-efficient heads, you will be able to save in excess of $100 per year.
An incorrectly installed hose from the kitchen sink to the dishwasher can cause unwanted water to drain into the dishwasher. A hose that is properly installed should lead uphill, then downhill, to discourage water from each area from mixing.
Choose enzyme based cleaners if your pipes get clogged. These cleaners use natural bacteria to turn the sludge into a liquid, and remove it from your pipes. Enzyme cleaners should be your first choice.
Lint Trap
Keep your dryer’s lint trap clean. This not only prevents fires, but saves money. Inspect your lint trap often to see if there are any tears or holes. If there are, you can have lint getting into your pipes, and this will clog them and give you more problems that will have to be dealt with.
Clean the aerator to fix low water pressure issues that are caused by the buildup of sediment. First, you should remove and disassemble the aerator. Next, clean it with a brush that has been dipped in white vinegar. Then simply rinse and reattach the aerator. This should help increase the water pressure, because any obstacles in the aerator will have been removed.
To protect yourself when a plumbing problem arises, use the tips above. You just need to do a bit of research and call in some professional help, if needed. Try these tips to help rid yourself from plumbing issues.
The more you learn about more information, the better off you will be. Be sure to review this article from time to time for complete comprehension. Once you have mastered these techniques, continue to learn more about more information.