Plumbing Information That Can Save You Money!

Posted on by Fix It All

TIP! When looking at new fixtures for your plumbing, look at the option of purchasing ones made of brass. For starters, brass fixtures are much more durable and last longer.

Plumbing issues can occur at any time. We all want to learn how to maintain plumbing systems and fix problems. The following article is going to give you advice to help you with any plumbing situation.

TIP! If you have clogged pipes, try cleaning them with an enzyme pipe cleaner. These cleaners use natural bacteria, which turns sludge into liquid and cleans your pipes.

As the weather turns frosty, make sure faucets outside are not dripping or leaking. If they are dripping or leaking, you are going to have to have them repaired before winter actually arrives. Frozen water will back up in your pipes and crack them, whether they are PVC, copper, or even steel. Even a small crack will let enough water out to cause some serious damage.

TIP! These days many home owners are opting for flood alarms as an added element of protection. A flood alarm is similar to a smoke alarm.

Because plumbers are so expensive, investing in pricey tools in order to do the work yourself can be a good investment. It’s easy to find online videos that hold your hand through simple plumbing projects. With the investment of plumbing tools, you won’t have the need to hire a professional plumber because you can do the repairs yourself.

Washing Machine

TIP! Run lots of cold water whenever you use your garbage disposal. Cold water keeps the blades sharpened, giving you optimal performance whenever it is used.

You need to snake your washing machine drain stack if it overflows with a pipe snake. Usually, this pipe gets backed up with a gentle clog of lint and tiny washing machine debris.

TIP! To maintain a clean, well-functioning septic tank, it is recommended that you clean it out once every five years. This keeps the sediment from building in the tank, which can cause septic tank failure or backup into your house.

To keep your pipes from freezing in the winter, insulate all exterior pipes and be sure to keep your interior house temperature above freezing, even if the house is vacant. If the temperature surrounding the pipes is anywhere below freezing, this can cause the pipes to freeze. The best result you can hope for from frozen pipes is to be without water until the pipes thaw. Frozen pipes can also burst, which can be very messy and expensive to repair.

TIP! If your home has copper pipes, when you are running hot water, they will tend to expand a little. This can cause the pipe to press against the hangers it sits in, damaging the pipes.

If you need a plumber, check out his or her credentials first. Some plumbers aren’t experienced enough to work on certain issues, and it’s possible they may make things worse. Check reviews, and ask your friends and family for recommendations.

TIP! 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. Repeat this procedure if necessary as the water returns back to a lower level.

A flapper that does not function properly or that has a lot of build up on it will make your toilet less efficient. Cleaning the flapper seat and replacing the flapper itself can solve the problem.

TIP! Education is essential when dealing with plumbing issues, because knowing nothing about the topic will cause people to spend big bucks on a plumber. If you own a home, you should do what you can to educate yourself about plumbing so that you are not taking a plumber’s work and word on faith.

A non abrasive cleaner designed for fiberglass is the best thing to use on fiberglass sinks and tubs to avoid damaging them with abrasive cleansers. Unlike abrasive cleaners, these products are free of harsh chemicals and are therefore much gentler on your pipes.

TIP! It is important to check the background of any plumbers you are looking at hiring, and get referrals if possible. Some plumbers aren’t experienced enough to work on certain issues, and it’s possible they may make things worse.

Don’t just throw any old hot water tank into your water heater. Match the tank size with the heater for maximum efficiency. If you are aware of how many people and appliances will be using hot water, you can determine the appropriate capacity.

TIP! Stay away from drain cleaners if possible. The chemicals found in drain cleaners are very corrosive, and can end up damaging your pipes if you use them too much.

Make sure there is a strainer covering all drains in order to collect particles that would cause a clog if they went down the drain. Your kitchen sink strainer must be cleaned whenever it catches anything. Clean out the bathtup strainer every few days before it becomes clogged.

TIP! Select your drain cleaners carefully. It is possible that your pipes may be damaged with the wrong type of cleaner.

When installing or replacing a water heater, pay attention to the drainage pipe. The pipe extruding from the draining pipe needs to be reconnected to the water heater. This is probably what is called a recirculation pipe. This keeps the water in your home heated while reducing the amount of water wasted.

TIP! Some items can get stuck on the disposal blades, causing the drain to clog. Don’t use the garbage disposal to get rid of stringy items such as banana peels or chicken skin.

Knowing your tools and how to use them can help greatly in your plumbing experience. So be sure to read through all your manuals as well as research as much as you can on the internet where you can gain information to help you with your projects. Plan properly prior to beginning any type of repair, because fixing a mistake can cost a lot of money.

TIP! The Department of Consumer Affairs is a great place to check if you need a plumbing contractor. You will be able to check their license and know if people have complained about this specific contractor.

Don’t pour cooking grease, leftover frying fat or any oils down your sink drain. When these oils cool, they become hard and create clogs. As an owner of a garbage disposal, this is important because the blades will stop working if they have fat on them. Dispose of oils and fatty liquids in the trash.

Garbage Disposal

TIP! Never put your hands in your garbage disposal to fix a problem. Garbage disposals always pose a possible threat, even when powered off or non-working all together.

When running your garbage disposal, plumbers recommend using only cold water to help ease food particles down the drain. Water will not make your garbage disposal run smoothly. Running water can help clear debris and keep the disposal’s temperature down, but it can also cause sticky materials to clog the disposal.

TIP! Clean your dryer’s lint trap. This saves you from potential problems, including the prevention of fires.

Proper education prior to a problem arising is imperative. Performing regular preventive maintenance is a great way to keep problems at bay. Apply the tips provided in the above article, and you’ll be prepared for all plumbing needs you’ll have in the future.

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