Plumbing problems require proper repairs from a experienced do-it-yourselfer or a licensed plumber. Sometimes, it may take a fair amount of advice for you to find the best answer to the problem, and the following tips are here to give you a great starting point.
Septic Tank
In order to prevent any pipes within your home from freezing, you should never let the home temperature get below freezing. Always insulate pipes exposed to elements. If the temperature surrounding these pipes is below the freezing point, your pipes could freeze. It takes time for thawing to occur so you can have water again. On the other hand, they can burst, which gets messy and really expensive.
To maintain a clean, well-functioning septic tank, it is recommended that you clean it out once 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.
You do not give the plumber all the money until he is finished with his work. You might have to give them a deposit, but do not give them the entire sum of money until you are sure they have done a good job. Knowing that the plumber performed all services, as promised, can be good for your peace of mind and your wallet.
If your water pipe has frozen, start water running in the faucet closest to the frozen pipe. This will give excess water somewhere to drain as the ice in the pipe thaws. By doing this, the pipe pressure is relieved, and this should stop it from bursting, which would prevent further home damage.
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. You can repeat this procedure once the water returns to a low level.
Garbage Disposal
You never want to pay for a job until it is complete, and this goes for a plumber as well. You may need to make a small down payment before the job has begun, but you never want to pay the entire amount until you are certain the job was completed to your satisfaction. You want to know the plumber has fulfilled all his requirements as promised in the agreement before he gets paid.
Do not attempt fixing your garbage disposal with bare hands. A garbage disposal can be dangerous, even when it is not on. Locate a diagram of the garbage disposal, or some sort of troubleshooter, online.
Don’t put oil, grease or fat into your drain. When these oils cool, they become hard and create clogs. This is especially true if you have a garbage disposal, as the fat will cause the blades to run slower and less efficiently. Throw away oils nowhere near the sink.
If your garbage disposal is having problems, don’t give in to the desire to attempt a fix by reaching down into the disposal. A garbage disposal can be dangerous, even when it is not on. You can look online to find the diagram for the disposal that you have.
If you see unwanted water that keeps draining into your dishwasher, the problem is most likely a hose running to your kitchen sink that was not correctly installed. The hose at the kitchen sink going to the dishwasher should follow a specific uphill, then downhill pattern. This prevents unwanted mixing of water between the sink and dishwasher.
Enzyme-based cleaners are the best bet for unclogging stubborn clogged pipes. Enzyme cleaners contain bacteria that digest through solid sludge, making it weak enough to be flushed out. The cleaners that have enzymes are the best you can buy.
If you notice orange or pink stains in your bathroom fixtures, this is because of the iron in your water. You can use water softener that you buy at the store to remedy this situation, or you can have a professional do it for you.
Drain Cleaners
Don’t use drain cleaners constantly. Drain cleaners use abrasive chemicals that are not only harmful to you but also to your pipes. Rather, if you have a blocked drain, consider having a professional plumber come out to diagnose the cause.
Ensure overflow holes don’t have any debris in them. Overflow holes exist to act as a double check in case of an overfilling sink. That may seem unimportant – but it will become a problem if they are clogged. Clean the overflow holes when you can, like when doing periodic checks for various other repairs and problems.
If you are trying to get a clean-out plug removed, but not getting very far, there are a couple of things you can do. The first approach to use is taking a hammer and chisel to see if you can get the fitting loose. Unfortunately, if you still cannot remove the plug, the only viable option left on the table is to bust right through the plug completely with the hammer and chisel.
Make sure you apply these tips for a good plumbing system. You want to be sure you’re hiring the right professionals to get the job done and save you cash. Think about using these tips to help yourself.
If the hose that leads to your kitchen sink has not been maintained or installed properly, you may notice that water is constantly draining to the dishwasher. The hose connecting the sink the the dishwasher should be at an uphill angle and then downhill to prevent the water from mixing.