Plumbing issues are a headache for people who don’t know how to fix them. It can take a lot of time and money when it comes to hiring a professional plumber. If you know what to do, you can tackle some simple plumbing tasks. Keep reading to arm yourself with some very useful plumbing advice!
Knowing your tools and how to use them can help greatly in your plumbing experience. Use as many resources as you need, such as online or the library, to find the right information to repair your plumbing issues. Make sure that, before you jump in and start taking things apart, you plan your plumbing repair first.
Never try to fix a garbage disposal by putting your hand down into it. Even if the disposal is turned off, it can still be hazardous. Research your disposal online to locate a detailed diagram or troubleshooting guide for your model.
Check carefully around the base of your toilet for any damage caused by leaks. Straddle the toilet, so you can rock from one leg to another to determine whether there’s weakness in the floor. 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.
Cleaned Whenever
Use strainers on all drains to keep foreign objects and debris from clogging drains. Your kitchen sink strainer must be cleaned whenever it catches anything. A strainer in your bathtub should be checked occasionally and cleaned whenever necessary.
Use baking soda and one cup of vinegar per month to keep the bathtub drain clear and running well. Plug the opening or cover it with a cloth while the chemical reaction takes place. After letting it sit for a few moments, clear the pipes out with a gallon of boiling water. This should help clear your pipes of accumulated hair and soap scum.
To keep possible toilet problems as small as possible, you should prevent using it like it’s a trash can. Do not flush things like paper towels, sanitary pads, tissues, diapers, cotton balls or anything else that might cause the toilet to get clogged. Also, you want to use the least amount of toilet paper to clean yourself.
If your pipes are clogged, and you want to try a pipe cleaner, it is suggested that you use an enzyme based cleaner. The natural enzymes in these cleaners dissolve the clog, turning it into liquid, freeing it from the pipes. Enzyme cleaners are preferred by many to clear clogged drains.
Plumbing Repair
One plumbing repair that costs a lot of money is frozen pipes. However, this can typically be prevented. Insulate the pipes that run outside with proper material. Before the cold season arrives, you should disconnect your hoses, drain them and store them. Outdoor faucets should be shut off, too. Doing this could help save lots of cash related to plumbing repair bills.
As you can see, plumbing problems don’t have to be so difficult. If you can solve the problem yourself, you can save time waiting for a plumber, as well as saving a whole lot of money. Try applying what you’ve learned from this article next time you have a plumbing problem!